Cellular Energetics Flashcards
Learn about the different energy cycles.
What is the process of Chemiosmosis aka Chemiosmotic coupling?
In Chemiosmosis, a proton electrochemical gradient is generated across the membrane, driven by the electric potential gradient through an electron transport chain. The energy stored in the proton electrochemical gradient is used to power the synthesis of ATP.
What is ATP?
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells, consisting of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.
Where does ATP synthesis primarily occur in eukaryotic cells?
ATP synthesis primarily occurs in the mitochondria, specifically in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
What is the main enzyme responsible for ATP synthesis?
ATP synthase is the main enzyme responsible for ATP production during oxidative phosphorylation.
What is the role of the proton gradient in ATP synthesis?
The proton gradient (proton motive force) across the inner mitochondrial membrane drives the rotation of ATP synthase, enabling the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP.
How is the proton gradient established during cellular respiration?
The proton gradient is established by the electron transport chain (ETC), which pumps protons (H⁺) from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space as electrons pass through protein complexes.
What are the main complexes involved in the electron transport chain (ETC)?
The main complexes are Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase), Complex II (succinate dehydrogenase), Complex III (cytochrome bc1), and Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase).
What is oxidative phosphorylation?
Oxidative phosphorylation is the process by which ATP is generated as electrons pass through the ETC, creating a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase.
What is chemiosmosis?
Chemiosmosis is the movement of protons down their concentration gradient through ATP synthase, which drives the production of ATP.
What role does oxygen play in ATP synthesis?
Oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, combining with protons and electrons to form water, which is essential for maintaining the flow of electrons and proton gradient.
How many ATP molecules are typically produced per glucose molecule during cellular respiration?
Typically, 30 to 32 ATP molecules are produced per glucose molecule during cellular respiration.
What is the role of NADH and FADH₂ in ATP synthesis?
NADH and FADH₂ donate electrons to the electron transport chain, which helps generate the proton gradient needed for ATP synthesis.
What is substrate-level phosphorylation, and how does it differ from oxidative phosphorylation?
Substrate-level phosphorylation directly generates ATP by transferring a phosphate group from a substrate to ADP, occurring in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, while oxidative phosphorylation generates ATP using the ETC and proton gradient.
What is the first stage of Glucose oxidation?
Glycolysis
