In metabolic processes of cell respiration and photosynthesis, prosthetic groups such as heme and iron-sulfur complexes are encountered in components of the electron transport chain. What do they do?
A) donate electrons
B) act as reducing agents
C) act as oxidizing agents
D) transport protons within the mitochondria and chloroplasts
E) both oxidize and reduce during electron transport

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prosthetic groups like heme and iron-sulfur complexes play a crucial role in electron transport chains by undergoing oxidation and reduction reactions. They can accept electrons and donate them to the next component in the chain, acting as both oxidizing and reducing agents. This ability to both accept and donate electrons is essential for the transfer of electrons through the electron transport chain during cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

In Metabolic Processes of Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis, Prosthetic Groups