Respirationskedjan

Respirationskedjan, also known as the respiratory chain or electron transport chain, is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, the process by which cells convert nutrients into energy. The respiratory chain consists of four multi-protein complexes: Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase), Complex II (succinate dehydrogenase), Complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex), and Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase). These complexes work together to transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, generating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis. The respiratory chain is essential for the production of ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell, and is a key target for various drugs and toxins. It is also a significant site for the generation of reactive oxygen species, which can cause cellular damage if not properly managed. The respiratory chain is highly conserved across different species, reflecting its fundamental role in cellular metabolism.