Which process involves a series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane?

The process involving a series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane is the electron transport chain. This process is crucial for cellular respiration, where electrons are transferred through a series of protein complexes. As electrons move down the chain, they release energy that is used to pump protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is essential for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation.

The electron transport chain consists of several key proteins, including NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome b-c1 complex, cytochrome oxidase, and others. This structured setup allows for efficient energy conversion as electrons are transferred from electron donors like NADH and FADH₂ to oxygen, the final electron acceptor, ultimately producing water.

In contrast, glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and does not involve the mitochondria or its membranes. The Calvin Cycle is part of photosynthesis in chloroplasts and does not involve mitochondrial membranes. The Krebs Cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, takes place in the mitochondrial matrix and, while it is linked to the electron transport chain, does not involve the series of proteins located in the inner mitochondrial membrane itself.