Metabolism Flashcards
Without exaggeration, you could spend your entire life studying metabolism. We know you'd prefer not to do that, so we've created these 120 cards to dig deep into topics like glycolysis and the Krebs cycle when necessary while not obsessing over irrelevant details.
Define:
metabolism
It collectively refers to the biological processes that occur within cells.
Specifically, these processes either generate energy through the breakdown of molecules or use energy to build molecules.
Metabolism is also known as “cellular respiration.”
Define:
catabolism
It is the biological breakdown of molecules into smaller units.
Catabolic processes are accompanied by the generation of energy.
The opposite of this class of metabolic reactions is anabolism.
Define:
anabolism
It is the creation of larger biomolecules from smaller units.
Anabolic processes require energy input.
The opposite of this class of metabolic reactions is catabolism.
What broad distinction separates aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
- Aerobic respiration requires oxygen
- Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen.
As part of metabolism, both processes involve the breakdown of biological molecules and the eventual release of energy.
What is the chemical formula of glucose?
C6H12O6
Broadly, glucose is a carbohydrate; specifically, it is a monosaccharide.
The majority of glucose molecules enter the cell via which transport method?
facilitated diffusion
This occurs with the assistance of a family of transport proteins, GLUT 1-4.
This process is promoted by high plasma glucose levels, which creates a concentration gradient that drives glucose into the cells. It is also promoted by the activity of insulin, which increases the number of GLUT 4 transporters on the membranes of certain cell types.
In eukaryotes, which metabolic process occurs in the cytosol regardless of the presence or absence of oxygen?
Glycolysis occurs anaerobically in the cytosol.
Glycolysis is a biochemical process that forms pyruvate from the breakdown of glucose. The pathway produces 2 NADH and a net total of 2 ATP per glucose molecule.
Fill in the blank.
In prokaryotes, glycolysis occurs in the _______.
cytosol
Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm for all cells, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic. (Even if you didn’t know this, you should absolutely know that prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, meaning that metabolic processes generally occur in the cytoplasm.)
Describe the net reaction of glycolysis.
C6H12O6 + 2 NAD+ + 2 Pi + 2 ADP → 2 pyruvate + 2 ATP + 2 NADH + 2 H2O + 2 H+
While glycolysis only produces a net of two ATP molecules, it generates a total of four. The other two molecules of ATP are used as reactants in early glycolytic steps.
Fill in the blank.
Glucose contains ________ carbons, while pyruvate contains ________ carbons.
six, three
As such, complete glycolysis of a single glucose molecules produces two pyruvate molecules for use in later metabolic processes.
In the net reaction of glycolysis, for every pyruvate molecule that is produced, how many ADP molecules are consumed?
one
You should know the net reaction of glycolysis inside and out! When one glucose molecule undergoes glycolysis, it consumes a net of two ADP molecules and produces two pyruvate molecules. Thus, the ratio of pyruvate to ADP is 1:1.
If six glucose molecules underwent complete glycolysis, how many molecules of NADH would be produced?
12
Per the net reaction of glycolysis, for every glucose molecule consumed, two molecules of NADH are produced. Thus, complete glycolysis of six glucose molecules would produce 12 NADH.
In the complete glycolysis of a single glucose molecule, how many carbon atoms are lost as carbon dioxide?
zero
Glycolysis does not produce carbon dioxide (CO2)! Instead, all of the carbon atoms in glucose end up in pyruvate.
In contrast, other metabolic processes do yield CO2, most notably the Krebs cycle.
Glucose enters the cells through a family of GLUT transporters. What process ensures that glucose does not exit by a similar mechanism?
In the first step of glycolysis, glucose is converted to glucose 6-phosphate (G6P). Since GLUT transporters only facilitate the movement of glucose, G6P cannot utilize them to leave the cell.
Additionally, since G6P is very negative, it is even more incapable than glucose of exiting directly through the hydrophobic cell membrane.
In the first step of glycolysis, glucose is converted to glucose 6-phosphate (G6P). What enzyme catalyzes this reaction?
hexokinase
Remember, kinases are a class of enzymes that phosphorylate other molecules. You can use the name “hexokinase” to predict this molecule’s role: it is a kinase that phosphorylates hexoses.
Which reaction is the rate-limiting step of glycolysis?
Step 3 involves the phosphorylation of fructose 6-phosphate to form fructose 1,6-bisphosphate.
This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1). For this reason, PFK-1 is sometimes called the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis.
Step 2 of glycolysis involves the conversion of glucose 6-phosphate to fructose 6-phosphate. The enzyme that catalyzes this reaction falls into which of the six main classes of enzymes?
isomerase
You should know that glucose and fructose are isomers, so glucose 6-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate are isomers as well! Isomers are interconverted by isomerase enzymes. Specifically, the enzyme that catalyzes this reaction is phosphoglucose isomerase.
The enzyme that catalyzes step 10 of glycolysis falls into which of the six main classes of enzymes?
transferase
Specifically, this enzyme is pyruvate kinase (a kinase is a type of transferase). Pyruvate kinase catalyzes the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate into pyruvate, a reaction that also produces ATP from ADP.
In which step of glycolysis does the six-carbon substrate split into two three-carbon molecules, and which enzyme catalyzes this step?
Step 4 of glycolysis, which is catalyzed by aldolase.
From this point onward, you should imagine twice the substrate molecules at play (since one glucose substrate has been transformed into two 3-carbon substrates).
Name the two 3-carbon molecules that are produced in step 4 of glycolysis.
- Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate
- Dihydroxyacetone phosphate
The production of these molecules is catalyzed by the enzyme aldolase.
By step number (for example, “step 1”), which steps of glycolysis are irreversible?
Steps 1, 3, and 10
This means that these steps are so highly exergonic that they cannot effectively be reversed. The remaining seven steps of glycolysis are reversible.
Which glycolytic enzymes catalyze irreversible steps?
Hint: There are three of them.
- Hexokinase (or glucokinase)
- Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1)
- Pyruvate kinase
Hexokinase and glucokinase catalyze step 1 of glycolysis. PFK-1 catalyzes step 3, and pyruvate kinase catalyzes the final step (step 10).
True or false.
The seven reversible steps of glycolysis are reversible because they are highly endergonic.
False
While irreversible steps are irreversible because they are highly exergonic, reversible steps are not highly endergonic (nonspontaneous). Instead, they tend to have ΔG values that are close to 0.
Which step(s) of glycolysis require(s) the input of ATP?
Steps 1 and 3
Predictably, both of these steps involve the phosphorylation of the substrate. In step 1, glucose is converted into glucose 6-phosphate, while in step 3, fructose 6-phosphate is converted into fructose 1,6-bisphosphate.
Which step(s) of glycolysis produce(s) ATP?
Steps 7 and 10
Both of these steps involve the substrate losing a phosphate group, which is then added to ADP to create ATP. In step 7, 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate is dephosphorylated to form 3-phosphoglycerate. In step 10, phosphoenolpyruvate is converted to pyruvate.
Which step(s) of glycolysis produce(s) NADH?
Step 6
This step is catalyzed by glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, or GAPDH. The “dehydrogenase” in its name indicates that it is an oxidoreductase enzyme, and in fact, it catalyzes the reduction of NAD+ to NADH.
Of AMP, ATP, and citrate, which is most likely to serve as an allosteric activator of PFK-1?
AMP
The other two molecules are inhibitors.
You can figure this out logically: glycolysis should be stimulated when available energy is low (to make more) and inhibited when it is high. High AMP concentrations imply that cellular ATP is low.
Which glycolytic intermediate is most involved in the substrate-level phosphorylation that produces ATP?
1,3-bisphosphoglycerate serves as the “substrate” in this form of phosphorylation. Specifically, it provides the phosphate group that is transferred to ADP, forming ATP.
The other common form of phosphorylation is oxidative phosphorylation, which takes place immediately after the electron transport chain.
Apart from hexokinase, what enzyme phosphorylates glucose into glucose 6-phosphate?
glucokinase
It catalyzes the same reaction as hexokinase, but it does so under different conditions and with different kinetic parameters. This helps the body fine-tune glucose metabolism.
Describe the difference between hexokinase and glucokinase with regard to the tissues in which they are found.
- Hexokinase is found in most body tissues.
- Glucokinase is selectively present only in pancreatic beta cells and in the liver.
Fill in the blank.
Compared to hexokinase, glucokinase has a _______ Km and a _______ Vmax.
higher, higher
This means that glucokinase requires more substrate (glucose) to reach half of its maximum reaction velocity, but that velocity, once reached, is higher than that of the reaction catalyzed by hexokinase.
Between hexokinase and glucokinase, which enzyme has a lower affinity for glucose?
glucokinase
Recall that Km is inversely proportional to enzyme-substrate affinity. Since the reaction catalyzed by glucokinase has a higher Km than that catalyzed by hexokinase, glucokinase has a lower affinity for its substrate than does hexokinase.
Between hexokinase and glucokinase, which enzyme is inhibited by its product (glucose 6-phosphate)?
hexokinase
This means that hexokinase is highly subject to negative feedback. Once it produces sufficient G6P, the reaction slows.
The activity of glucokinase is intricately tied to the release and function of which hormone?
insulin
You may have guessed this based on the fact that glucokinase is located in pancreatic beta cells, which are the cells that produce insulin in the human body. Glucokinase is stimulated by insulin, and it is also involved in the regulation of insulin secretion.
The first reaction of both glycolysis and glycogen synthesis involves the conversion of glucose into what product?
Glucose 6-phosphate
(G6P)
In glycolysis, glucose is typically transformed into G6P by the enzyme hexokinase. In glycogen synthesis, the same reaction occurs, but it is generally catalyzed by glucokinase.
Fill in the blank.
Taken together, all of the parameters of glucokinase ensure that when glucose concentration is very high, glucose is store in the ___________.
liver
The differences between glucokinase and hexokinase make much more sense with this function in mind. When glucose concentration is high, insulin is released, stimulating glucokinase to produce G6P in the liver, where it can be used for glycogen synthesis. In contrast, most tissues of the body do not need any more G6P than usual, so negative feedback ensures that hexokinase does not produce too much G6P for use in glycolysis.
Which metabolic process immediately follows glycolysis in oxygen-poor conditions?
Fermentation occurs after glycolysis in anaerobic conditions. This process takes place when O2 is too scarce to facilitate the entry of glycolytic products into the Krebs cycle.
This can produce either ethanol or lactic acid, depending on the species.
The conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid, often referred to simply as “fermentation,” produces no ATP. However, it is still necessary in anaerobic conditions. What purpose does this process serve?
Fermentation regenerates NAD+ by oxidizing NADH and reducing pyruvate.
NAD+ is necessary for glycolysis, but cannot be regenerated by the electron transport chain under anaerobic conditions. Fermentation serves to produce NAD+, reducing NADH buildup and allowing glycolysis to continue.
Which two molecules can be created by the fermentation of pyruvate?
- Ethanol
- Lactate
Alcohol fermentation, which takes place in yeast and certain bacteria, involves the reduction of pyruvate to ethanol. Lactic acid fermentation, which takes place in human muscle cells as part of anaerobic respiration, involves the reduction of pyruvate to lactate.
In humans, what enzyme catalyzes fermentation?
lactate dehydrogenase
In humans (and mammals in general), fermentation is specifically lactic acid fermentation, which involves the reduction of pyruvate to lactate. This reaction is catalyzed by lactate dehydrogenase.
Which metabolic process immediately follows glycolysis and produces acetyl-CoA?
Pyruvate decarboxylation occurs between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. This process takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.
Under aerobic conditions, pyruvate (a three-carbon molecule) is converted to a two-carbon acetyl group. This group then attaches to coenzyme A.
Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol, while pyruvate decarboxylation occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. What method of membrane transport moves pyruvate between these locations?
active transport
Pyruvate is a negatively-charged molecule and therefore cannot passively diffuse across cell membranes. Additionally, its unfavorable concentration gradient prevents it from moving via facilitated diffusion. Instead, it is transported actively by an enzyme termed pyruvate translocase.
What broad name is given to the set of enzymes that catalyze pyruvate decarboxylation?
pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
(PDH)
The PDH is actually a set of three enzymes that work in concert to convert pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, producing NADH in the process.
What are the substrates and products of pyruvate decarboxylation?
- Pyruvate, a three-carbon molecule, is the substrate.
- CO2, NADH, and acetyl-CoA are the ultimate products.
Is pyruvate decarboxylation a redox reaction?
yes
Pyruvate decarboxylation is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction.
This should be clear both because pyruvate decarboxylation produces NADH from NAD+ (an example of reduction) and because it is catalyzed by a dehydrogenase enzyme complex. When you see “dehydrogenase,” think “redox reaction!”
Name at least two cellular conditions that inhibit pyruvate decarboxylation.
- Increased [acetyl-CoA]
- Increased [ATP]
- Increased [NADH]
Acetyl-CoA and NADH are products of pyruvate decarboxylation, so they inhibit this process via straightforward negative feedback. High [ATP] is indicative of abundant energy in the cell, meaning that pyruvate decarboxylation is not urgently needed.
True or false.
All acetyl-CoA that enters the Krebs cycle is generated via pyruvate decarboxylation.
False
Be wary of extreme answers like this one! Acetyl-CoA is actually generated via a number of other metabolic pathways, including beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the breakdown of ketogenic amino acids.
Two glucose molecules undergo glycolysis, producing pyruvate. How many molecules of NADH will be produced simply from the decarboxylation of these products?
four
During glycolysis, the initial two glucose molecules will be converted into four molecules of pyruvate. For every molecule of pyruvate that is decarboxylated by pyruvate dehydrogenase, one molecule of NADH is formed.
Which metabolic process generates both NADH and FADH2?
The Krebs cycle produces the electron carriers NADH and FADH2, as well as an ATP equivalent (either ATP or GTP).
The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, involves the cyclic transformation of organic molecules.
True or false.
The main, direct purpose of the Krebs cycle is to produce ATP or ATP equivalents.
False
The Krebs cycle actually produces very few ATP equivalents (specifically, it only forms 1 GTP in each turn of the cycle). Instead, its main purpose is to reduce large quantities of electron carriers for later use in the electron transport chain.
In eukaryotes, where does the Krebs cycle occur?
in the mitochondrial matrix
You should know that, in eukaryotic cells, glycolysis occurs in the cytosol, the Krebs cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, and the electron transport chain takes place along the inner mitochondrial membrane.
In prokaryotes, where does the Krebs cycle occur?
in the cytosol
In prokaryotes, glycolysis and the Krebs cycle occur in the cytosol, while the electron transport chain takes place along the plasma membrane of the cell.
Is oxygen a reactant in the Krebs cycle?
no
Interestingly, oxygen is not directly involved (as either a reactant or a product) in the Krebs cycle. However, if a cell is starved for oxygen, the cycle will slow to a halt as its products build up and are not used by the electron transport chain.
What is the initial substrate of the Krebs cycle, and with which molecule does it first react?
Acetyl-CoA, a two-carbon compound, is the substrate entering the cycle. It immediately reacts with oxaloacetate to form a six-carbon compound.
Coenzyme A is released in this process and can be used again.
How many molecules of NADH and FADH2, respectively, are produced during one turn of the Krebs cycle?
One full turn produces 3 NADH molecules and 1 FADH2.
Other products include carbon dioxide, which is released as waste, and one molecule of GTP.
What is the main waste product of the Krebs cycle?
carbon dioxide
(CO2)
In fact, the constant production of CO2 by the Krebs cycle is the main reason why we need to exhale CO2 during respiration.
Specifically, two CO2 molecules are lost in every full turn of the cycle.
What is the product of step 1 of the Krebs cycle?
the six-carbon molecule citrate
The production of citrate from acetyl-CoA, oxaloacetate, and water in this step is catalyzed by the enzyme citrate synthase.
Fill in the blank.
In step 2 of the Krebs cycle, citrate is transformed into its isomer, a molecule named _______.
isocitrate
Predictably, this reaction is catalyzed by an isomerase! Note also that as isomers, citrate and isocitrate have identical chemical formulas; in particular, both contain six carbon atoms.
Fill in the blank.
In step 3 of the Krebs cycle, isocitrate is transformed into ___________.
α-ketoglutarate
This step is catalyzed by isocitrate dehydrogenase and is actually the rate-limiting step of the Krebs cycle. The term “dehydrogenase” tells us that this is also a redox reaction, and in fact, it produces the first NADH of the cycle. Additionally, one molecule of CO2 is lost.
Name the main reactant and the main product of step 4 of the Krebs cycle.
The main reactant is α-ketoglutarate, and the main product is succinyl-CoA.
α-ketoglutarate is a five-carbon molecule, while succinyl-CoA contains four carbons. This means that a molecule of carbon dioxide is lost during the course of this reaction.
In step 5 of the Krebs cycle, a molecule of GTP is formed. The energy to create this GTP molecule came from the breaking of what high-energy reactant?
succinyl-CoA
It helps to remember that succinyl-CoA is the product of step 4 of the cycle and thus must be the reactant of step 5.
It’s also helpful to understand that bonds to coenzyme A (CoA) are high-energy (hence the role of acetyl-CoA in our metabolism).
Name the main reactant and the main product of step 6 of the Krebs cycle.
The main reactant is succinate, and the main product is fumarate.
This reaction, which is catalyzed by the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase, also produces one molecule of the reduced electron carrier FADH2.
The enzyme that catalyzes step 6 of the Krebs cycle plays what other role in cellular metabolism?
Hint: Remember, step 6 is the only step of the Krebs cycle that produces FADH2.
It acts as complex II of the electron transport chain.
(ETC)
This is a tough one! However, if you remember that FADH2 enters the ETC at complex II, you may find it easier to understand that this happens because the enzyme (succinate dehydrogenase) that produces FADH2 in step 6 of the Krebs cycle is complex II of the ETC.
Fill in the blank.
In step 7 of the Krebs cycle, ________ is transformed into L-malate by the enzyme ________.
fumarate, fumarase
Both fumarate and L-malate are four-carbon species.
Fill in the blank.
In step 8 of the Krebs cycle, the four-carbon molecule ________ is transformed into the four-carbon molecule ________.
L-malate, oxaloacetate
From here, the cycle can start all over with the combination of oxaloacetate with acetyl-CoA to form citrate.
Which step(s) of the Krebs cycle produce(s) NADH?
- step 3
- step 4
- step 8
Remember, a total of three NADH molecules (one in each step listed above) are created per turn of the Krebs cycle!
Which step(s) of the Krebs cycle produce(s) FADH2?
step 6
This step is catalyzed by succinate dehydrogenase, which is also complex II of the electron transport chain.
Which step(s) of the Krebs cycle produce(s) ATP or an ATP equivalent?
step 5
Step 5 involves the conversion of succinyl-CoA to succinate. The breakage of the thioester bond in succinyl-CoA releases sufficient energy to produce GTP from GDP.
Which step of the Krebs cycle is rate-limiting?
step 3
(the conversion of isocitrate into α-ketoglutarate)
The rate-limiting step of a process is the slowest step, which by its nature then dictates the rate of the overall process. In the Krebs cycle, that is step 3.
In which step of the Krebs cycle does the carbon substrate lose its first carbon (to go from six to five carbons)?
step 3
(the conversion of isocitrate into α-ketoglutarate)
This is the first step of the cycle in which carbon dioxide is lost as a waste product.
In which step of the Krebs cycle does the carbon substrate lose its second carbon (to go from five to four carbons)?
step 4
(the conversion of α-ketoglutarate into succinyl-CoA)
This is the second step of the cycle in which carbon dioxide is lost as a waste product.
Name the three main regulatory steps of the Krebs cycle (by step number).
- step 1
- step 3
- step 4
These are the three most strongly exergonic (thermodynamically favorable) steps of the cycle. All three are subject to regulation by various molecules.
Which three molecules exert regulatory effects on step 1 of the Krebs cycle?
Remember, this step involves the conversion of oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA to citrate.
- ATP
- NADH
- Citrate
All three of the regulatory steps of the Krebs cycle are actually inhibited by ATP and NADH (which both serve to indicate that the cycle has already produced enough products). In addition, step 1 is inhibited by its own product, citrate.
Which step of the Krebs cycle is inhibited by its direct product succinyl-CoA as well as by ATP and NADH?
step 4
Step 4 is the step of the Krebs cycle in which succinyl-CoA, a high-energy substrate, is produced. This regulatory step is subject to typical negative feedback.
The Krebs cycle would be expected to progress the most quickly under conditions of a [high/low] ADP:ATP ratio and a [high/low] NADH:NAD+ ratio.
Choose one term from each box below to accurately complete the sentence.
high, low
Be sure to read carefully here! The first ratio given is ADP to ATP, so a high ratio indicates relatively less ATP present. The second ratio is NADH to NAD+, so a low ratio indicates relatively less NADH present.
True or false.
Step 3 of the Krebs cycle (the conversion of isocitrate into α-ketoglutarate) is inhibited by its direct product, NADH.
True
NADH is indeed a direct product of step 3! In addition, all of the regulatory steps of the Krebs cycle (steps 1, 3, and 4) are inhibited by NADH.
In eukaryotes, the electron transport chain takes place in which part of the mitochondria?
(ETC)
along the inner mitochondrial membrane
The ETC can therefore utilize the compartments on either side (the mitochondrial matrix and the intermembrane space) to establish a proton gradient between the two.
What is the main purpose of the electron transport chain?
(ETC)
It is to generate proton-motive force for subsequent use.
In other words, the ETC constructs a proton gradient between the two compartments of the mitochondria. That gradient can then be used later to produce ATP.
A certain enzyme, “enzyme X,” functions at a slightly higher pH than “enzyme Y.” Between the two, which would be expected to exist in the mitochondrial matrix as opposed to the intermembrane space?
enzyme X
The mitochondrial matrix has a slightly higher pH than the intermembrane space. This is true due to the proton gradient between the two compartments; the intermembrane space contains more protons and thus is more acidic than the matrix.
What molecule is the final electron acceptor of the electron transport chain (ETC)?
oxygen
(O2)
This is why the ETC (and by extension, the Krebs cycle) cannot proceed without oxygen! Electrons are passed along the chain until they reach oxygen, which is reduced to H2O.
The production of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) is highly thermodynamically unfavorable. What name is given to the concept that allows this reaction to proceed regardless?
reaction coupling
This reaction, catalyzed by ATP synthase, is coupled to the highly favorable reactions of the electron transport chain and their resulting proton gradient. Remember, nonspontaneous reactions can proceed if they are coupled with sufficiently spontaneous reactions!
How many key complexes (known by their Roman numerals) are present in the electron transport chain?
four
Predictably, these complexes are termed complexes I, II, III, and IV.
Which complexes of the electron transport chain (ETC) can serve as proton pumps?
- I
- III
- IV
Complex II is the only exception (as well as the only ETC complex to not be a transmembrane complex, meaning that it doesn’t extend all the way through the lipid bilayer).
True or false.
The more negative the reduction potential (Ered) of a reaction, the more spontaneous its reduction will be.
False
Recall from general chemistry that positive, not negative, electric potentials tend to correspond with more spontaneous reactions as written. Reduction potentials are no exception.
From complex I of the electron transport chain (ETC) to complex IV, how do the reduction potentials of the involved reactions change?
The reduction potentials become more positive.
This is what ensures that the ETC progresses at all: each subsequent species has a higher affinity for electrons than the previous one.
This is extremely important to understand for the MCAT!
Number the electron transport chain (ETC) complex described below.
The technical name of this complex is NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase. It pumps four protons into the intermembrane space.
complex I
The “NADH” in the name of this complex should be a major hint. Complex I is the complex at which the NADH from previous metabolic processes donates its electrons to the ETC.
Number the electron transport chain (ETC) complex described below.
This complex, termed cytochrome c oxidase, oxidizes cytochrome c to produce electrons that directly result in the production of H2O.
complex IV
The direct production of H2O occurs at the end of the ETC, when electrons obtained from cytochrome c oxidation are donated to O2 to form H2O.
Number the electron transport chain (ETC) complex described below.
This complex transfers electrons one at a time to cytochrome c. Additionally, it pumps four protons into the intermembrane space.
complex III
The transfer of electrons to cytochrome c (a heme-containing species that can carry a single electron at a time) is accomplished by complex III. Cytochrome c is then oxidized by complex IV, the final complex in the chain.
Number the electron transport chain (ETC) complex described below.
The name of this complex is succinate-CoQ oxidoreductase. It is the only complex of the ETC that does not act as a proton pump.
complex II
Complex II is the “outlier” among ETC complexes, both in its acceptance of electrons from FADH2 and in its lack of proton pump activity. When you see the technical name of this complex, the word “succinate” should remind you of its dual roles in the ETC and the Krebs cycle.
Name the enzyme that combines inorganic phosphate with adenosine diphosphate as part of oxidative phosphorylation.
ATP synthase
This enzyme synthesizes ATP by combining inorganic phosphate (or Pi) with adenosine diphosphate (or ADP).
In cellular respiration, which type of membrane transport is utilized when protons move from the intermembrane space into the mitochondrial matrix?
facilitated diffusion
This question is referring to the movement of protons through ATP synthase. Since this movement is down their concentration gradient, it is passive (diffusion); however, it is facilitated rather than simple diffusion because an ion channel is being utilized.
Name the two major subunits of ATP synthase.
- F0
- F1
Fill in the blank.
The subunit of ATP synthase that is anchored firmly in the inner mitochondrial membrane is the ____.
F0
Predictably, this portion of ATP synthase is hydrophobic (water-insoluble).
Fill in the blank.
The subunit of ATP synthase that directly catalyzes the phosphorylation of ADP is the _____.
F1
This subunit sticks out into the mitochondrial matrix rather than being embedded in the membrane. As such, it is hydrophilic.
If a poison were administered to render the inner mitochondrial membrane permeable to ions, what would happen to cellular respiration?
The electron transport chain (ETC) would become decoupled from oxidative phosphorylation.
In other words, protons would still be pumped across the membrane by the ETC (for a time, anyway), but since they could then drift right back into the matrix through the membrane, this ETC activity would no longer correspond to ATP synthesis.
Approximately how many ATP molecules are produced for every NADH molecule that donates its electrons to the electron transport chain?
2.5 to 3
Sources differ on the exact value here (for a number of reasons), but for the sake of the MCAT, knowing this approximate range is more than sufficient.
Approximately how many ATP molecules are produced for every FADH2 molecule that donates its electrons to the electron transport chain?
1.5 to 2
As with NADH, it is the range here that is important to remember, not a single exact value.
Explain why FADH2 is associated with the production of fewer ATP molecules than NADH.
FADH2 donates its electrons later in the electron transport chain (ETC) than NADH.
Specifically, FADH2 donates its electrons to complex II, while NADH donates its electrons to complex I. This results in some protons being pumped into the intermembrane space (by complex I) as a result of NADH alone. On average, then, NADH leads to the production of more ATP.
Name the metabolic process that involves (and is actually named for) the production of new glucose.
gluconeogenesis
In this term, “gluco-“ refers to glucose, “-neo” means “new,” and “-genesis” means “creation” or “production.”
In which two organs does gluconeogenesis occur?
It occurs in the liver (predominantly) and in the kidneys.
This contrasts with glycolysis, which happens throughout the body tissues.
Define:
a glucogenic amino acid
It is an amino acid that can be converted into glucose via gluconeogenesis.
All amino acids are glucogenic except for lysine and leucine (which can be remembered on the basis of their shared first letter, “L”).
Define:
a ketogenic amino acid
It is an amino acid that can be converted into acetyl-CoA or acetoacetate (a ketone body).
Only leucine and lysine are exclusively ketogenic, but a number of other amino acids are both ketogenic and glucogenic.
Name the five amino acids that are both glucogenic and ketogenic.
- Phenylalanine
- Isoleucine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Tyrosine
These amino acids can be remembered using the acronym PITTT (just remember that it refers to the first letter of each word, not the one-letter abbreviation of each amino acid).
Name at least three species that can be used as substrates for gluconeogenesis.
- pyruvate
- lactate
- glucogenic amino acids
- glycerol
- odd-chain fatty acids
Fill in the blank.
While gluconeogenesis is often thought of as glycolysis in reverse, several key reactions cannot simply be reversed because they were far too ________ in glycolysis.
exergonic
Specifically, three of these irreversible reactions exist.
Which three reactions of glycolysis must be bypassed using different enzymes in gluconeogenesis?
Please answer this question using the number of the step in glycolysis.
- step 1
- step 3
- step 10
These three reactions are termed “irreversible” due to their extremely exergonic, or energetically favorable, nature in the forward direction.
Explain how gluconeogenesis bypasses step 10 of glycolysis.
Pyruvate is first converted to oxaloacetate by pyruvate carboxylase and then converted to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) by PEP carboxykinase.
This differs from the reverse of the glycolytic step. In this step of glycolysis, PEP is directly converted to pyruvate by pyruvate kinase.
Explain how gluconeogenesis bypasses step 3 of glycolysis.
Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate is converted to fructose 6-phosphate by fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase.
This differs from the reverse of the glycolytic step. In this step of glycolysis, fructose 6-phosphate is transformed into fructose 1,6-bisphosphate by phosphofructokinase.
Explain how gluconeogenesis bypasses step 1 of glycolysis.
Glucose 6-phosphate is converted to glucose by glucose 6-phosphatase.
This differs from the reverse of the glycolytic step. In this step of glycolysis, glucose is phosphorylated into glucose 6-phosphate by hexokinase (and sometimes glucokinase).
Name the metabolic pathway that generates the electron carrier NADPH as well as an important nucleotide precursor.
pentose phosphate pathway
While this pathway is tested far less frequently than metabolic processes like glycolysis or the Krebs cycle, you should still understand its general function.
The nucleotide precursor mentioned on the front of this card is ribose 5-phosphate.
Name the two phases of the pentose phosphate pathway.
(PPP)
- oxidative phase
- non-oxidative phase
The oxidative phase produces NADPH, while the non-oxidative phase produces pentoses (five-carbon sugars) as well as the phosphorylated pentose ribose 5-phosphate.
Name the peptide hormone that upregulates glycogen synthesis, inhibits gluconeogenesis, promotes the storage of lipids, and inhibits proteolysis.
Insulin
Note that all of these functions relate to the storage of energy (rather than the generation of molecules that can be used as immediate energy sources). This should make sense, as insulin is released when abundant glucose is already available in the bloodstream.
Name the peptide hormone that promotes both gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis while also stimulating the breakdown of triglycerides.
Glucagon
You may notice that these functions are exactly the opposite of those of insulin. In fact, glucagon (which is released when blood glucose levels are low) can be essentially conceptualized as insulin’s “opposite” hormone.
Is upregulated proteolysis (protein breakdown) more closely associated with high plasma levels of insulin or glucagon?
Glucagon
Glucagon, not insulin, promotes proteolysis. Glucagon is released when blood glucose levels are low. Its stimulatory effect on proteolysis can result in the production of free amino acids that can then be fed into gluconeogenesis.
Glycogen, the body’s main source of stored glucose, is primarily stored in which two locations?
- liver
- skeletal muscle
In particular, skeletal muscle stores glycogen to allow for the quick production of glucose via glycogenolysis (glycogen breakdown) when desperately needed.
Within a linear portion of a glycogen molecule, what type of bonds connect adjacent glucose subunits?
- α-1
- 4-glycosidic bonds
These 1,4 linkages connect adjacent glucose monomers in a linear, non-branching fashion. Linear chains in glycogen typically consist of around eight to 12 glucose subunits.
A glycogen molecule is a highly branched structure that, overall, can contain tens of thousands of glucose monomers. In such a structure, what type of bonds are present at branch points?
- α-1
- 6-glycosidic bonds
These differ from the typical 1,4 bonds found in linear portions.
The creation of α-1,4-glycosidic bonds [in linear segments of glycogen/at branch points] is catalyzed by [glycogen branching enzyme/glycogen synthase].
Choose one term from each box above to accurately complete the sentence.
in linear segments of glycogen, glycogen synthase
Remember, α-1,4-glycosidic bonds connect glucose molecules linearly, not in a branched fashion!
The creation of α-1,6-glycosidic bonds [in linear segments of glycogen/at branch points] is catalyzed by [glycogen branching enzyme/glycogen synthase].
Choose one term from each box above to accurately complete the sentence.
at branch points, glycogen branching enzyme
Name three distinct methods used by humans and their cells to acquire glucose.
- Eating (acquiring glucose through the diet)
- Breaking down glycogen (accessing stored glucose)
- Performing gluconeogenesis (generating new glucose)
