The electron transport chains (ETCs)in the chloroplasts and the mitochondria gradually lower the energy content of an electron as it passes from carrier to carrier.This process is similar to the reduction in the energy content of a
A) cannonball that reaches the high point of its flight and then returns to the ground.
B) bowling ball bouncing down a flight of stairs and landing temporarily on each step.
C) pair of sunglasses that intercepts ultraviolet radiation before it reaches our eyes.
D) newly baked pie cooling on the counter before it can be cut and eaten.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passing of an electron from carrier to carrier in the electron transport chain is a gradual process where its energy content is steadily reduced. This is similar to a bowling ball bouncing down a flight of stairs and losing some energy with each step it lands on before coming to a stop at the end. Option A is incorrect because a cannonball would have potential energy at its highest point and then kinetic energy as it falls, whereas the electron loses energy as it moves along the electron transport chain. Option C is incorrect because sunglasses do not reduce energy, they block certain wavelengths. Option D is incorrect because the pie does not go through any energy reduction process, it simply cools down.

The Electron Transport Chains (ETCs)in the Chloroplasts and the Mitochondria