Cell Biology and ATP

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ATP and cellular metabolism, including definitions, processes, and classifications of organisms based on their energy sources.

What is ATP commonly referred to in cell biology?

the activated energy carrier.

How does ATP function within cells?

the preferred energy carrier utilized by cells to perform work.

What happens to ATP when it releases energy?

ATP is converted to ADP

What role do NAD and FAD play in metabolism?

NAD and FAD are activated carriers that assist in transporting electrons in metabolic pathways.

What does NAD stand for?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

What is the process called that generates ATP?

phosphorylation

Where is the energy stored in ATP?

in the bonds between phosphate molecules

What is catabolism in metabolic terms?

the process of breaking down food into nutrients that can be used by the cell.

What is the relationship between ATP and ADP?

ATP can donate a phosphate to ADP to regenerate and release energy.

How does ATP assist in unfavorable reactions?

ATP provides the necessary energy to drive energetically unfavorable reactions in the cell.

What is an example of ATP usage in cellular processes?

muscle contraction and for powering pumps in cellular membranes.

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

A metabolic pathway where glucose is oxidized to produce ATP.

Define substrate-level phosphorylation. What is its characteristic?

a direct transfer of a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP, occurring quickly via enzymes.

What is photophosphorylation?

the process of generating ATP from ADP using light energy, typically seen in photosynthesis.

What elements are essential for ATP generation in cells?

energy, carbon, and electrons (hydrogens)

What distinguishes phototrophs from chemotrophs?

Phototrophs obtain energy from light, while chemotrophs obtain energy from nutrients or chemicals in their environment.

How are organotrophs and lithotrophs classified?

Organotrophs receive electrons from organic molecules, while lithotrophs obtain electrons from inorganic molecules.

What happens during oxidation-reduction reactions?

electrons are transferred from one molecule (donor) to another (acceptor), releasing energy.

What is the purpose of coupling energetic reactions in cellular metabolism?

It allows energetically favorable reactions to drive energetically unfavorable ones, facilitating cellular work.

What is the importance of the magnesium ion in substrate-level phosphorylation?

It serves as a cofactor that assists enzymes in catalyzing the reactions for ATP generation.