Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (Plasmodium) (ETC (Plasmodium))

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) in *Plasmodium* species is a series of protein complexes and mobile electron carriers located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its primary function is to transfer electrons derived from metabolic substrates through a sequence of redox reactions, ultimately reducing oxygen to water. This process generates a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation. Unlike mammalian ETCs, the *Plasmodium* ETC has several unique features, including non-proton motive quinone reductases, a primary role in maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential rather than maximizing ATP production, and dependence for essential biosynthetic processes like pyrimidine biosynthesis. Several antimalarial drugs target components of the Plasmodium ETC, confirming its vital role for parasite survival despite its limited ATP production function during blood stages.

Other names

Plasmodium ETCElectron Transport Chain (Plasmodium)Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain (Plasmodium)

Inhibition of electron transfer, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, disruption of pyrimidine biosynthesis