Question

How do the roles of ubiquinone and cytochrome c differ from the roles of the other components of the electron transport chain?

Short answer

Q and cytochrome c, as a result of their function and nature, are considerably different from the other ETC components.

Step-by-step solution

Step-1:Introduction

The electron transport chain (ETC) is a sequence of redox events that occur inside the mitochondria's inner membrane and release and store energy for all biological functions. ETC is made up of four complexes as well as mobile electron carriers. The electrons are rapidly transferred from one complex to the next until they reach the oxygen (terminal electron acceptor). These electrons subsequently decrease oxygen and make water by reducing oxygen and proton.

step-2: Explanation

Other components such as the NADH dehydrogenase complex operate as both an electron carrier and a proton pump, whereas ubiquinone (or Q) and cytochrome c are just mobile electron carriers. They are not directly involved in ATP creation since they do not function as a proton pump. In ETC, they only serve as transport molecules. Furthermore, in nature, all other components are proteins, but Q is the only lipid-soluble chemical molecule. When compared to the huge complexes entrenched in the inner mitochondrial membrane, Q and ubiquinone are quite tiny.

step-3: Conclusion

Because of their role and nature, Q and cytochrome c differ significantly from the other ETC components.