Cell and Molecular Biology - Chapter 14

A series of flashcards covering vocabulary and key concepts from Chapter 14 of 'Essential Cell Biology' by Bruce Alberts, focusing on mitochondrial function, ATP synthesis, and energy metabolism.

Oxidative phosphorylation

The process in which energy from oxidation is converted into high-energy electrons that drive ATP synthesis through a proton gradient.

Chemiosmotic coupling

The mechanism where mitochondria and chloroplasts use energy to pump protons across a membrane.

Mitochondrial matrix

The innermost compartment of the mitochondria where pyruvate and fatty acids are oxidized to acetyl-CoA.

Citric acid cycle

The metabolic cycle that produces high-energy electron carriers NADH and FADH2 from acetyl-CoA.

Electron transport chain

A series of electron carriers in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons, driving proton export.

Redox potential (E')

A measure of the voltage difference between two redox pairs, indicating the electron affinity.

Final electron acceptor

Oxygen (O2) is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, forming water.

ATP synthase

The enzyme that synthesizes ATP, driven by the flow of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Proton motive force (pmf)

The force generated by the proton gradient across a membrane, driving ATP synthesis.

Energetic yield of glucose oxidation

The total ATP produced from the complete oxidation of one glucose molecule, approximately 30-32 ATP in cellular respiration.

FADH2

An electron carrier that yields approximately 1.5 ATP during oxidative phosphorylation.

NADH

An electron carrier that yields approximately 2.5 ATP during oxidative phosphorylation.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Palmitoyl CoA

The activated form of palmitate (a 16 carbon fatty acid) that is oxidized in mitochondria to produce acetyl CoA and electron carriers.