The inhibitors bind to one of the components of ETC and block the transport of electrons. This causes the accumulation of reduced components before the inhibitor blockade step and oxidised components after the inhibitor step. The synthesis of ATP (phosphorylation) depends on electron transport. Hence, all the site-specific inhibitors of ETC also inhibit ATP formation. These possible action and inhibitors for the ETC are identified.

1. Inhibitors of electron transport:Rotenone, amytal, piericidin A, antimycin, dimercaprol cyanides, azide, H₂S, CO.
2. Inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation:Oligomycin, Atractylate, Bongkrekic
3. Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation:2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP), dicoumarol
4. Ionophores of oxidative phosphorylation:Valinomycin, gramicidin A, nigericin