What is the role of an electron carrier in cellular metabolism?

An electron carrier plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism by facilitating the transfer of electrons from energy-rich compounds to low-energy compounds. This process is vital in cellular respiration and photosynthesis, where the movement of electrons helps to create a proton gradient that is used to generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

By collecting electrons from molecules such as NADH or FADH2 during metabolic reactions, these carriers ensure that energy is effectively transformed and utilized in biochemical pathways. This transfer of electrons is essential for the oxidation-reduction reactions that drive the processes of energy production, allowing cells to harness energy stored in chemical bonds.

While generating ATP and participating in glycolysis are important aspects of metabolism, the specific function of electron carriers is more focused on their role in electron transfer rather than direct energy production or pathway participation. Accumulating waste products is not a function of electron carriers, but rather a byproduct of metabolic processes that involve various cellular components.