Question Details

The complex II of mitochondrial electron transport chain is also known as

Options

A

Cytochrome bc1

B

Succinate dehydrogenase

C

Cytochrome c oxidase

D

NADH dehydrogenase

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

Succinate dehydrogenase

Succinate dehydrogenase

Solution :

The correct option is Succinate dehydrogenase.

To understand why Complex II of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is known as succinate dehydrogenase, let us break down the components and functions of the electron transport chain:

1. Overview of the Electron Transport Chain:
The mitochondrial electron transport chain consists of a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. These complexes facilitate the transfer of electrons from electron donors (like NADH and FADH2) to oxygen, which acts as the final electron acceptor, ultimately driving the synthesis of ATP.

2. Identification of the ETC Complexes:
Complex I: Also known as NADH dehydrogenase. It accepts electrons from NADH and passes them to ubiquinone (coenzyme Q).
Complex II: Also known as Succinate dehydrogenase. It is a key enzyme that links the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and the electron transport chain. It oxidizes succinate to fumarate and transfers electrons via FAD/FADH2 directly to the ubiquinone pool.
Complex III: Also known as the cytochrome bc1 complex. It transfers electrons from ubiquinol to cytochrome c.
Complex IV: Also known as cytochrome c oxidase. It transfers electrons from cytochrome c to oxygen (O2), reducing it to water (H2O).

3. Conclusion:
Since Complex II catalyzes the oxidation of succinate in the citric acid cycle while transferring those electrons to the respiratory chain, it is also known as succinate dehydrogenase.

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