Here's how it happens:
* Electron Carriers: Electrons from the breakdown of glucose travel through the electron transport chain, losing energy along the way.
* Proton Pumping: This energy is used to pump protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.
* Oxygen as the Final Electron Acceptor: At the end of the chain, oxygen (O₂) acts as the final electron acceptor.
* Water Formation: Oxygen combines with the electrons and protons to form water (H₂O).
This process is crucial for cellular respiration, as it regenerates the electron carriers needed for further glucose breakdown and generates ATP, the main energy currency of cells.
