Mysteries of the Electron Transport Chain, Revealed in Rap!

A complete explanation of the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, explained with music, rhyme, and animation
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LYRICS
Welcome to this story about cell energy
The goal is explaining how cells make ATP
It happens in the mitochondria which you can think of
As the cell’s energy factory
Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles,
An inner membrane and an outer one as well
The mitochondrial matrix is the fluid inside
It’s where reactions like Krebs cycle reside
Glycolysis and Krebs make NADH
and FADH2 from energy in food
These electron carriers make their way
From the matrix to the inner membrane.
And that’s where you find the electron transport chain
It’s a series of enzymes embedded in the membrane,
Which take the electron carrier’s electrons
And uses their energy for pumping protons
CHORUS
The mitochondrial electron transport chain
Uses electron energy for pumping protons
From the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space
Increasing proton concentration in that place,
The only way the protons can escape
Is through a channel and an enzyme, ATP synthase.
Which uses diffusing protons’ kinetic energy
To make ATP, from ADP and P
The chain is a series of enzymes in a row
Each accepts electrons, then lets them go
To the next carrier in this transport chain.
It’s kind of organized like a bucket brigade
What drives electrons down this enzymatic series
Is the growing level of each carrier’s electronegativity
And to oxygen electrons ultimately fall
It’s the most electronegative of them all
It’s NADH that starts this run
Donating electrons to Complex number I
This powers active transport as protons are displaced.
And get pumped from the matrix to the intermembrane space
From Complex I electrons flow to
Ubiquinone, also known as “Q”
Which floats through the inner membrane happily
And brings its electrons to Complex III
And you can guess the function of Complex III .
It’s another proton pump using electron energy
Protons jam up in that intermembrane compartment
Like a hundred people in a one bedroom apartment!
CHORUS
Complex II is for FADH2
Which donates electrons, which then get passed to Q
Which once again passes them to Complex III
Which pumps protons using electron energy
From Complex III the electrons proceed
To another mobile carrier, Cytochrome C
Which donates the electrons to Complex IV
Another proton pump, could you ask for more?
After Complex IV electrons flow,
To oxygen which is ever so
Electronegative it pulls electrons down the chain,
Keeping them moving like the cars of a train.
And as O2 does this electron grabbing trick,
It also grabs protons from the matrix.
They all combine to form H2O
Electron transport chain, watch it go!
CHORUS
Now all these protons in the intermembrane space
Are trapped they can’t get out of that place
‘Cause protons are charged and could never get through
A phospholipid bilayer, they can’t diffuse
But like all particles, they’re dying to go
From where their concentration’s high to where it’s low
Stuck in the intermembrane space they're frustrated.
To diffuse to the matrix, they’re highly motivated.
And this gradient’s been made steeper by O2
Which absorbs protons from the matrix stew,
So from proton pumping, and oxygen’s actions.
Add another force, electrochemical attraction!
Think of all those trapped protons, each one’s positive.
The matrix, in comparison is negative.
FULL LYRICS AT
sciencemusicvideos.com/electr...

[@sciencemusicvideos]

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[@colachux1]

damn he spitting so much fire he just denatured all proteins

[@LlFEISGREAT]

best comment here

[@briankrupski1517]

god damnit

[@JohnnyKnight5talker]

rly? I feel ok (..?) So my proteins seem intact.

[@hannahdivic28]

😂😂😂😂

[@doddy225]

Just laughed out loud and got dissapointed with myself for being such a fucking nerd

[@diogogoncalves2899]

I want to live in a world where this is mainstream music

[@mallorysmith1820]

Agreed! Why isn't educational music mainstream?

[@urmama54]

'cause aline overlords

[@MayankOraon2]

nerd alert

[@Canada2760]

That would be cool.

[@drinkcoconutwater]

Please. I pray.

[@andrewfayi9448]

This takes "The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell" to a whole new level.

[@dillonhamilton4402]

This man yields a dope amount of kinetic energy through spitting FIRE

[@melalat1112]

Ayee entropy

[@barbarasoliman7524]

*enthalpy

[@NathanAMeyers]

"...actually"

[@zing3r_]

Thermal energy*

[@jonfilibuster8499]

I got a biochemistry exam tomorrow and I'm at the point where I cannot study, but I can still watch videos and maybe remember something. This was perfect!

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Good luck on your test, Jon! Mr. W

[@GridnetGaming]

How was it?

[@jonfilibuster8499]

@@GridnetGaming This was 6 years ago lol. I think it went OK I can't remember though. I'm in medical school so it all worked out

[@narengangadharan2964]

@@jonfilibuster8499 good for you Doc.

[@kadamsingh1793]

वेरी गुड

[@amandahuebner2348]

I don't expect educational videos to be high quality music as well. Seriously, you knocked a=it out of the park with this one, Mr. W.

[@kyliesmommy84]

I’ve spent the entire day watching Khan Academy videos and you manage to put all of that information into 3 very catchy tunes. This is brilliant. Make an album. Downloads! 6 years later you’re still helping people!! Thank you

[@valeriamedina2910]

Nothing like having the urge to listen to this song at 4:32 a.m

[@HappyMeg123]

I'm in college. I'm taking a Biology Intro. class. Thank you. You are my hero.

[@Snaomib]

+Meg spott same

[@HappyMeg123]

Yeah ;) wanna join

[@intogamers1491]

Meg spott point proven

[@betajui4262]

same lol

[@daddy_marx6823]

college? this is like 9th grade material

[@carlitosbarragan9817]

Doctor: You have exactly 6 minutes left to live. Me: 0:00

[@alloreon4338]

RIP last second

[@devangib3968]

Imagine an ad pops up

[@deadbzeus]

I just needed to say thank you so much for all of your videos, I am almost 32 and decided to go back to school after working at dead-end jobs my whole life. You are making me believe that I can actually do this and learn these concepts. You have made the world a better place and you are a great person. Thank you so much.

[@digginit1356]

you deserve a medal, or a holiday, or at least a cuddle from somebody. Thank you so much, great job!

[@alishba.21]

lol this made me laugh XD

[@frozunyogert6159]

Oh man, this is even better than your glycolysis rap.

[@charliegordon2308]

Many years ago, as a small child, I was diagnosed with an incredibly rare disease: recnac. As I lay motionless awaiting my death, my body could do nothing to turn my glucose to energy. Not until I heard this song. Something happened that day. My body changed. Hair started in all the wrong places. Yet it felt so right. Almost too right. I talked to my doctor. He said I was transcending God. So thank you sir, sincerely thank you. I am changed forever and always because of your song, and I owe you my life. Love, anonymous.

[@rutbamemon8226]

lecture is so nice but bar bar ruk jata h

[@vivianabanuelos3803]

This is perfect. I understand the process so much better now. My professors could never explain it well enough. Excellent video and excellent channel. I've been watching your videos since last semester and they have helped SO much. Please keep going

[@paulalobo1509]

this is so helpfull as soon as i study my notes i watch your songs and it all makes sense:)

[@sciencemusicvideos]

+paula lobo Thanks for this awesome comment, Paula. Check out the flashcards and interactive lyrics at www.sciencemusicvideos.com/interactive-lyrics-and-flashcards-for-the-electron-transport-chain/ Let me know what you think! Mr. W

[@paulalobo1509]

im about to try out the kareoke version

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Wow! That's awesome! Have fun! Mr. W

[@mahaalenazi876]

paula lobo has

[@Tk-br3rj]

You legend. I think you're the reason I'm going to pass my examination.

[@Czm0]

I am in Microbiology in college and this video is very helpful. As a musician/ pre-nursing student, this is a great song to understand the Electron transport chain. I know it helped me! Thanks!

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Thank you, Carlos. Check www.sciencemusicvideos.com in a few days. I'll have interactive lyrics and flashcards on the ETC. Mr. W

[@Prothui]

Mr. W. You are the best, I'm studying my first year medicine and your music videos are the missing puzzle piece. My professor even used your videos as an example. He said it was literally everything you needed to know! Thanks alot again, you're the best!

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Thanks! Please spread the word to your professors and fellow students! Mr. W

[@ambermay4941]

I'm also studying first year medicine (in Victoria) and I can't agree more! An incredibly helpful video, I'm singing along every night and showing all my friends.

[@drumandball]

straight spittin fire

[@sciencemusicvideos]

+Isaac Pelletier Thanks Isaac. Please check out my interactive flashcards and lyrics about the ETC at www.sciencemusicvideos.com/interactive-lyrics-and-flashcards-for-the-electron-transport-chain/ Thanks! Mr. W

[@anomic4072]

Track is fire too

[@WhoaIhaveNothinghere]

Biology is my favorite subject, but the once the teacher explained the Electron Transport Chain to us I completely got thrown off. I then decided to look it up and learn more about it, and it so happens that your video popped up. Now that I have seen this I can enjoy class now because I understand everything that the teacher has taught us! Thank you for making this video Mr. W!

[@UrefutGeonsur]

Roses are red, Violets are blue, ETC's now nice to me, All thanks to you! . . . Mr. W

[@sciencemusicvideos]

UrefutGeonsur Wow! Praise in rhyme! What could be better? Good luck learning biology! Mr. W

[@monaoconnell5650]

I am finally learning about the electron transport chain. I am a 74 year old woman and whie. I never thought rap could teach someone like me anything. It proves yet again that we have so much more in common than differences.

[@mariesheets3783]

Mr. Wolkenfeld, Hello from my 7th hour biology class! We just (like a few minutes ago) watched your video and appreciate your rap. My students wanted to give you feedback: "This is pure fire." "We understand the ETC now, and think you have sick hooks--the song is stuck in our head forever. We love the video." -Miss Sheets & the freshman

[@elirush4566]

the reason this song sounds so good is because its slowly hypnotizing you and taking complete control of your body

[@tamupasha5173]

he makes biology awesome

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Wow! thanks tamu! Mr. W

[@kidrigger]

This is better than all the boring lecture slides when it comes to revision. And it gets stuck in the head... Which is awesome.

[@dishahanda4543]

Music+biochemistry=awesomeness

[@DoctorRapper]

Used this to learn ETC in undergrad and now again in medical school. Mr. W is a legend

[@maximilianUTU]

Superb! Genialic! I want the Nobel Prize for these guys!!

[@NidhiPatel-er2su]

I will do so well on my MCAT cause of this, thank you! :)

[@bernab]

I love that chord progression from the piano. Love the kinetic energy and the protons there xD

[@Jesusmoon23]

This video justifies the existence of KZbin. I LOVE IT! --A high school biology/chemistry/physics teacher

[@connorgreig82]

My teacher constantly refers to your videos when he wants to teach us a concept, and I am always impressed and informed! Great job. --Connor G.

[@joaquinaedo9271]

Thanks a lot I was never able to understand the Electron Transport Chain until I saw you video

[@sciencemusicvideos]

I love hearing comments like that! Thanks joaquin!

[@TheVandersteve]

I woke up today and this was stuck in my head. I graduated college four years ago.

[@nicholassnyder282]

Wow this is the most creative way of teaching I've encountered.

[@shariqkhan4372]

amazinggg video !! helped my study for my mcat. now I know protons go from matrix to intermembrane space stuck in my head 😂

[@WJSWczy]

No song can ever replace this masterpiece!

[@sefofiwilliamlebea4071]

My phone is full of his tracks, I love this song Doc

[@rbrahmbhatt1001]

This is actually VERY helpful

[@RianKashfi]

Holy moly! Sir, your songs are high quality and to make songs that rhyme so nicely yet provide all the required information is quite commendable! :P

[@k_a_y_l_e_e]

this should literally be all chem/biochem lectures. no one would feel like falling asleep and i bet we'd all retain more of the info lol.

[@robertaceves8190]

Amazing! I have long tried to understand the electron transport chain and you have cleared it up for me in this one video and song. I appreciate how you started very broadly and went through the entire process. The only part that I was a little unclear about at first was the turbine imagery near the end, but watched again and understood it. The video is very entertaining and the repeating chorus lyrics helped the learning sink in, which made it more fun because I actually understood more every time the lyrics repeated. I am grateful! Thank you!

[@anacedeno2104]

Thanks sooo much for the great content, it helped me learn this material in minutes and now I can’t stop listening to your songs!

[@MsMillyna]

Just wanted to let you know I've been re-visiting your videos for every biochem test from high school all the way to med school. Glycolysis, Krebs, ETC never stops showing up in exams and yours are by far the most concise, effective, and enjoyable ways to learn it. Thank you ❤

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Wow, thank you!

[@jotadani0076]

Thank you Mr. Andrew Fox for showing me this masterpiece

[@trajyx]

Thanks to this video, I'm gonna ace my report.

[@sciencemusicvideos]

That's great! Good luck! Mr. W

[@sydddy147]

Love it! Definitely going to be stuck in my head during tomorrow's exam! Keep it up :)

[@michaelhagues5715]

I am in a 300 level physiology class in college and this was our homework for the day. What a beautiful day.

[@mysterynadi]

this song made me understand ETC more than every other Biology book, i already passed Biology but i keep re-visiting this song to give tribute

[@megp8277]

I am doing A levels at the moment, this is so so helpful for unit 4. Perfectly explained, thank you so much!

[@jessicalewis5953]

yall have a unit 4 in A levels!!!😮😮😮🤯

[@MrNicolyss0]

I am addicted to your videos. This one is my favorite by far! I am telling everyone about this! THANK YOU :)

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Brittanie Jarrell Thanks you, Brittany. If you like this one, you're gonna love my Protein Synthesis! video! Check it out and let me know what you think! Mr. W

[@parlezvousparis]

My biology teacher has shown out class some of these videos and honestly they are complete grade-savers! They're entertaining, catchy and very comprehensive. Thanks for all the hard work, you're making lives easier!

[@user-ur5br2ng6r]

25 points of my biology final exam is writing a short essay on NADH Dehydrogenase/Complex 1 and I was completely lost until I saw this video. I'd never been able to understand what each complex does, why proteins are so important, or how ATP synthase even works. Thank you so much for both saving my grade and lifting the veil on a concept that has tripped me up for years.

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Wow! You’ve made my day.

[@kyblaze2527]

I need this as my ringtone lol

[@michaeledwardjohnson3918]

I absolutely love your video and song! Thank you very much Professor!

[@emilymorales8490]

I am in an elementary biochem class in college and this is a really good, helpful overview!! Thanks!!!

[@themightypengu]

I understood the whole electron chain in 6 mins from this mad lad, i couldnt understand the lectures and it took me hours to understand it by myself

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Hey Royal, Consider trying the interactive tutorials on my website, www.sciencemusicvideos.com. Let me know what you think. Mr. W

[@kimotree]

HA! Very silly but its good! I had to pause it a few times and go back to fully understand it but nice work. Thank you for not ignoring complex 2 and FADH2.

[@AllAspects.]

I watch this vid everydayyy

[@AquilesBarroeta]

Explains the material extreamely well ..after a few times of watching the video and writting my essay i actually understood most of what he was talking bout .his explanations are really well and he explains the subject in depth . Amazing job ama get an A in this essay cause of you

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Thanks, Aquiles! If you get a chance, check out the biology tutorials on www.sciencemusicvideos.com and tell me what you think! Mr. W

[@wendyazpeitia9694]

Thank you for making my studies a little more enjoyable.

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Just a little, Wendy? Check out my cellular respiration tutorials at www.sciencemusicvideos.com/ap-biology/module-10-cellular-respiration/ Let me know what you think! Mr. W

[@catchick10]

This might actually be the reason I don't fail biochem!

[@samiig626]

So detailed yet so understandable!!!

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Thanks, Sammi!

[@messyaishah]

Hello ! Hi. I'm Aishah. I have a quiz in biochemistry this evening. Your video helps me a lot in understanding electron transport chain! My lecturer introduce this video to the whole class. Thank You! :D

[@StrawberryJamiiee]

I'm an english major taking intro to bot and this video reduces my anxiety levels about science so much. bless you and your science music, making science friendly to all

[@hollyberi6695]

Hahaha, love this. So good I sent it to my professor.

[@gwendolyn8425]

Haha. So awesome, and interestingly detailed.... very good, very good job sir!

[@Dedsilareva]

This guy's the reason I got the highest mark in biology in the entire school... Breaking the school's records.

[@catherineotits6870]

I've watched this over and over, it's just awesome. I grabbed the ETC process like a magic, thanks to your team.

[@sciencemusicvideos]

So glad this helped you! Check out my website learn-biology.com for an ETC tutorial!

[@afypingpong2759]

thanks a lot your song helps a lot i love the chorus

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Afua Frimpong Thanks for your comment! Mr. W

[@afsariayaan6815]

wooopssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my 4 big length pages of ETS now condensed in a great song!! its reliable n fun. thanks buddy

[@Dragonlordniam12]

My biochem professor showed us this gem. I remember watching this as a freshman but it doesn't hurt refreshing knowledge, of course!

[@sciencemusicvideos]

awesome! Thanks for telling me.

[@WasabiSniffer]

i'm not sure i've ever gotten such a wonderfully corny or memorable explanation of the ETC. love it

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Thanks! Don't get that wasabi up your nose!

[@a.s.america]

you're genius video maker!

[@pompeorendina6977]

La fosforilazione ossidativa per formare ATP sfrutta un accoppiamento CHEMIO-OSMOTICO, ovvero unione di un processo fisico( della differenza di energia potenziale) e chimico( formazione di ATP a partire da ADP) per funzionare . . . è il caso di dire " Questo modo di imparare come si forma ATP sfrutta un ottimo accoppiamento HIP HOP-Osmotico "

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Mi ci sono voluti un paio di giorni per superare a Google Translate per capire quello che hai detto, ma io amo questo commento! Grazie mille! Mr. W

[@alexandrashields2600]

This could be the best Biology music video ever!!! Love it. Thanks!

[@shereenminaa]

I have a biochemistry exam in 1 hour and this is the only thing that is absorbing into my brain. God bless this man

[@lailame1344]

This is so amazing.. Thank you so much, wish i would give you a 100 likes!!! :D

[@gsolanogsolano3761]

this is sick

[@micronicheinternetcelebrit7512]

I want that this is mainstream music! I'm a German student and your songs are realy helpful. Tomorrow I write an exam and I think I will remember your groovy songs about cell respiration :D

[@sciencemusicvideos]

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[@piiinkDeluxe]

Studying for my Biology exam tomorrow. I used your songs about Glycolysis, Krebs cycle and this one. The animation in this video help to understand it better than from reading about it. I can now explain this in English and German, ha! 😄 Greetings from Germany

[@schnarfel]

that'd be cool if there was a metal version :D

[@sutaaplatinum]

Alvaro Sarria I would listen to that.

[@CexBot]

Доходчиво разъяснил песней

[@sciencemusicvideos]

Михаил Владимирович Спасибо! Mr. W

[@CexBot]

sciencemusicvideos thank you for such an interesting video

[@habibhassan7770]

Dude this is lit. Literally i can listen this all day. I would enjoy it and would also learn the goddamn thing! Man this is gold. Things like his should be mainstream.

[@thismustbeme]

This has literally saved my grade as the books are overcomplicating things making them impossible to decode and understand. Thank you so very much for your videos!

[@sciencemusicvideos]

thismustbeme Thanks for your comment. Check out my website for quizzes and tutorials that might also be of use: www.sciencemusicvideos.com/quizzes.Mr. W

[@batoolabihajafry9014]

Literally i learnt ETC from this 😄 things most teachers fail to do!

[@lenore6816]

this is weirdly helpful, literally no other notes have gotten the info across quite this well

[@WasabiSniffer]

I found this during MCAT prep, and now I'm coming back to in medical school. each time I see it there's more details I pick up and it clears up this giant mess of a textbook.

[@BuddhaChunk]

My professor will be testing us over this material in a couple of days and I must say, this is so well done. Singsong always rocks! Thank you good sir and sirs involved!

[@valeriamedina2910]

This should be on the radio

[@nancykeeton7122]

I FINALLY GET IT! Thank you thank you for taking time and making these songs for us random internet students!

[@Caitlin-xx3te]

Remember listening to this on repeat in A levels...now in med school and still using it. Thank you so much!

[@daWaatcher1]

man he went off of that last verse!!!!

[@lilsicilian4048]

omg, finally, someone who can just cut it down to simple sense!!!

[@caitygart]

Thanks for this video, it's been really helpful. I'm studying in a foreign language and just have seriously struggled with the concept of the electron transport chain, was studying all night. Finally I decide "listen, I'll just watch a little video and relax" and surprise surprise, I've learned more in 6 minutes than I did the entirety of last night. Thank you Mr. W, I will do my best on my biochemistry exam tomorrow!

[@550652vols]

Thank you so much for this video. Trying to study for my final and this just ties everything I have learned together in a much easier way!

[@MrMisteriosso]

Thank you so much for these videos! They are so extremely helpful. I haven't been understanding cellular respiration processes but you're videos have been really helping me understand everything! Never stop making videos please!!!