18 Respiration Flashcards
What are the four stages in aerobic respiration?
1) Glycolysis
2) The link reaction
3) The Krebs cycle
4) Oxidative Phosphorylation
Where does glycolysis occur?
Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm.
Why is glycolysis an anaerobic process?
Glycolysis is an anaerobic process as it does not require oxygen.
What are the main steps in glycolysis?
1) Phosphorylation
2) Lysis
3) Phosphorylation
4) Dehydrogenation and formation of ATP
Describe the process of glycolysis in detail.
1) Two phosphates released from the two ATP molecules are attached to a glucose molecule forming hexose biphosphate.
2) This destabilises the molecule causing it to split into triose phosphate.
3) Another phosphate group is added to each triose phosphate forming two triose biphosphate molecules. These phosphate groups come from the free inorganic phosphate ions present in the cytoplasm.
4) The two triose biphosphate molecules are then oxidised by the removal of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation) to form two pyruvate molecules. NAD coenzymes accept the removed hydrogens-they are reduced, forming two reduced NAD molecules.
What is the overall net ATP yield from glycolysis? How is this calculated?
The overall net ATP yield from glycolysis is two molecules of ATP. This is calculated because: - Two ATP molecules used - Four ATP molecules produced 4-2=2
State the subcellular structures of the mitochondria.
- Outer mitochondrial membrane
- Inner mitochondrial membrane
- Cristae
- Matrix
- Intermembrane space
What is the role of the outer mitochondrial membrane?
Separates the contents of the mitochondrion from the rest of the cell, creating a cellular compartment with ideal conditions for aerobic respiration.
What is the role of the inner mitochondrial membrane?
Contains electron transport chains and ATP synthase
What are cristae?
Cristae are projections of the inner membrane which increase surface area available for oxidative phosphorylation
What is the role of the matrix?
The matrix contains enzymes for the Krebs cycle and link reaction. It also contains mitochondrial DNA.
What is the role of the intermembrane space?
Protons are pumped into this space by the electron transport chain. The space is small so the concentration builds up quickly.
What is the first step is aerobic respiration?
The first step in aerobic respiration is OXIDATIVE DECARBOXYLATION.
What is oxidative decarboxylation also known as? Why?
Oxidative decarboxylation is also known as the LINK REACTION because it links anaerobic glycolysis to the aerobic steps of respiration.
Where does oxidative decarboxylation (link reaction) occur?
In the mitochondrial matrix.
Describe the link reaction in detail.
1) Pyruvate enters the mitochondrial matrix by active transport via specific carrier proteins.
2) Pyruvate then undergoes oxidative decarboxylation- carbon dioxide is removed (decarboxylation) along with hydrogen (oxidation).
3) The hydrogen atoms removed are accepted by NAD.
4) NAD is reduced to form NADH.
5) The resulting two carbon acetyl group is bound to coenzyme A forming acetylcoenzyme A (acetyl CoA)
What is the purpose of the acetyl group binding to coenzyme A?
When bound together, Acetyl CoA delivers the acetyl group to the next stage of aerobic respiration- the Krebs cycle.