Definition
noun
A compound that receives or accepts an electron during oxidation of carbon source, e.g. during cellular respiration or photosynthesis.
Supplement
Organisms obtain energy by transferring electrons from an electron donor to an electron acceptor. In the electron transport chain, the electron acceptor is reduced and the electron donor is oxidized. In cellular respiration under aerobic conditions oxygen is the terminal electron acceptor.
See also: electron acceptor, redox reaction.
Dictionary > Terminal electron acceptor
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