ETC Flashcards
Where are the reactions involved in Electron Transport and Chemiosmosis (the two components of Oxidative Phosphorylation) found? In which organelle, and where on that organelle specifically?
NADH and FADH drop off electrons at the protein complexes to power proton pumps and eventually ATP synthase. It is in the inner membrane of the mitochondria
How has that organelle evolved to maximize its ability to generate ATP?
Inner membrane folds allow for a greater gradient to be pumped into a small volume. The larger the surface area, the more work that can be done. With a greater surface area, it will allow for a higher creation of ATP
During electron transport, what do the protein complexes do to convert the energy held in the electrons that came from NADH and FADH2 into another form of potential energy?
NADH and FADH2 will drop off electrons at the protein complexes. As the electrons are being passed down throughout the complexes, the proteins will use the electrons as energy to pump protons into the inner membrane space. There will be a high amount of protons in the inner membrane space and will want to come back in. This creates an electrochemical gradient that has potential energy.
What is the final resting place for the electrons that came from NADH or FADH2? Those electrons end up in what final product?
The final terminal electron acceptor- Oxygen
Oxygen will pick up the electrons and protons from solution to make H2O
Why is the energy held in the 2 electrons in NADH able to create more ATP than the 2 electrons in FADH2?
FADH comes in later to drop off its electrons. FADH2 produces less ATP then NADH because the electrons for FADH2 are dropped off at the second protein of the electron transport chain. FADH2 produces less ATP then NADH because NADH is reduced more.
How does ATP Synthase make ATP?
When this is a higher gradient of protons in the matrix and it flows down the pump. ATP sythase acts as an enzyme to form inorganic ADP and inorganic phosphate to ATP. Flow of hydrogen ions through ATP sythase that gives energy for ATP sythesis.
How does ATP Synthase fit in with one of the theories on the origin of life?
ATP synthase is powered by a proton gradient- life was first thought to be created by natural proton gradients like alkaline vents.
