Respiration

Question 1

Why do we need respiration

Answer 1

Living organisms are composed of cells and in each cell there is lots of activities happening and processes that are constantly being carried out to sustain life. All these processes require energy and usable carbon compounds

Question 2

What does respiration involve

Answer 2

All living cells releasing energy from the breakdown of organic molecules. Respiration involves the transfer of chemical potential energy from nutrient molecules into a usable energy form like atp in which the organism can use

Question 3

What is the structure of mitochondria

Answer 3

It has two membranes. The outer membrane being smooth and permeable to small molecules, but the inner membrane being highly folded (Cristae), a lot less permeable and it is the site of the electron transport chain as well as ATP synthase.

Question 4

What properties does the inter membrane structure have (in between the two membranes)

Answer 4

• Low pH due to high conc of protons
• The concentration gradient across the inner membrane is formed during oxidative phosphorylation and is essential for ATP synthesis

Question 5

Matrix properties?

Answer 5

Is an aqueous solution within the inner membranes of the mitochondrion which contains ribosomes, enzymes and circular mitochondrial DNA necessary for mitochondria to function

Question 6

Relation between structure and function

Answer 6

• Large surface area due to cristae which end bales the membrane to hold many electron transport chain proteins and ATP synthase enzymes
• number of mitochondria can vary inside a cell depending on cell activity. Muscle cells are more active and have more mitochondria pear cell than fat cells. More active cells also have larger mitochondria with longer and more tightly packed cristae to allow more synthesis of ATP as they have larger surface area.