3.1 - Importance of ATP Flashcards
Define ATP
The universal energy carrier found in all living cells
What is ATP synthase?
An enzyme found embedded in cellular membranes that phosphorylates ADP to form ATP as protons flow through it
Define chemiosmosis
The synthesis of ATP through the movement of protons down their concentration gradient across a semipermeable membrane, catalysed by ATP synthase.
Define chloroplast
An organelle found in plants and algae that is the site of photosynthesis.
Define the electron transport chain (ETC)
A series of electron carrier proteins that transfer electrons in a chain of oxidation-reduction reactions
What is an electron carrier?
A molecule that is capable of accepting and donating electrons (such as NAD, NADP)
What is the inner mitochondrial membrane?
The mitochondrial membrane that segregates the matrix from the inter-membrane space. It is the site of the electron transport chain.
What is the inter-membrane space?
The small space between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. Protons flow out of the inter-membrane space across the inner membrane
Explain what the matrix is
The fluid-filled space within the inner membrane of the mitochondria which contains mitochondrial DNA and enzymes required for aerobic respiration. Protons flow across the inner membrane into the matrix.
What is methylene blue?
An artificial hydrogen acceptor that change colour from dark blue to colourless when reduced.
What is a mitochondrion?
An organelle found in eukaryotic cells that is the site of aerobic respiration.
Explain what a proton pump is
An integral membrane protein that establishes a proton gradient for ATP synthesis across a membrane
Define stroma
The fluid interior of chloroplasts that contains the enzymes required for the light-dependent reaction. Protons flow across the thylakoid membrane into the stroma.
What is the thylakoid membrane?
The membrane that segregates the thylakoid space from the stroma. It is the site of the electron transport chain.
What is the thylakoid space?
The space inside the membrane-bound thylakoid disks. Protons flow out of the thylakoid space across the thylakoid membrane.
