Plasma membrane electron transport chain (PMET)

In general biology, the plasma membrane electron transport chain refers to a set of enzymes and carriers present in the plasma membrane that facilitate the transfer of electrons across the cell membrane. This process is prominent in prokaryotes (where the plasma membrane is the main site of electron transport driving ATP synthesis) and in the thylakoid membranes of plants. In mammalian cells, most electron transport for energy metabolism occurs in the mitochondrial inner membrane[8][3]. However, plasma membrane redox systems or “extramitochondrial electron transport systems” have been described as contributors to redox balance, cellular signaling, and antioxidant defense mechanisms at the cell surface, but these systems are less well defined, less studied, and not usually major therapeutic targets[8][3]. If you intended to refer specifically to the mitochondrial electron transport chain, a correction is needed, as the canonical electron transport chain in animals is mitochondrial, not plasma membrane-associated[8][3].

Other names

Plasma membrane electron transport systemPlasma membrane redox systemExtramitochondrial electron transport chainPMET (in some literature)

Not applicable; no approved drugs with established PMET mechanism.