Figure – Electron Trainsport Chain and Aerobic Energy Generation

In the mitochondria of our cells, pyruvate and fatty acids are broken down to acetyl CoA which then is broken down in a series of chemical reactions called the Kreb’s cycle. During the breakdown of fatty acids, pyruvate and acetyl CoA, electrons are removed and carried to the electron transport chains that are stitched into the inner membrane. The electrons then become important in the making of ATP, which can be used by that cell to power an operation! It should also be mentioned that these processes also produce carbon dioxide and water.