SAT Subject Test in Biology › Prokaryotic Cell Functions
Where in prokaryotes do the reactions of the electron transport chain take place?
Inner cytoplasmic membrane
Inner mitochondrial membrane
Mitochondrial matrix
Periplasmic space
Cytosol
The correct answer is the inner cytoplasmic membrane. Prokaryotes do not have mitochondria or any other membrane-enclosed organelles, but the electron transport chain must be performed in a membrane in order to create a concentration gradient of protons; therefore, prokaryotes perform the redox reactions of the electron transport chain in the inner cytoplasmic membrane in between the cytosol and the periplasmic space.