Variation and Evolution Flashcards
what is ATP
adenosine triphosphate
the universal energy carrier found in all living cells
where is ATP produced
ATP is synthesised on the internal membranes of mitochondria and chloroplast
describe how ATP is synthesised
involves ATP synthase, and enzyme found embedded in cellular membrane
ATP synthase phosphorylates ADP to form ATP as protons flow through it
compare the flow of protons across the mitochondrial and chloroplast membranes
Mitochondrial membrane: H+ flow from the intermembrane space into the matrix, across the inner membrane.
Chloroplast membrane: H+
flow from the thylakoid space into the stroma, across the thylakoid membrane.
define chemiosmosis
The synthesis of ATP through the movement
of protons down their electrochemical gradient across a semi-permeable
membrane, catalysed by ATP synthase.
how is proton gradient maintained during chemiosmosis
Potential energy associated with excited
electrons is coupled to the active transport
of H+ across the membrane by proton
pumps.
what is an electron transport chain
A series of electron carrier proteins that
transfer electrons in a chain of oxidation-reduction reactions, releasing
energy.
how can dehydrogenase activity be investigated
Investigated using artificial hydrogen acceptors such as DCPIP, methylene
blue and tetrazolium compounds
what colour change is observed when DCPIP is reduced
dark blue to colourless
what colour change is observed when methylene blue is reduced
dark blue to colourless