🔬Oxidative Phosphorylation

What is oxidative phosphorylation and where does it occur?

cristae

What precedes oxidative phosphorylation in aerobic respiration?

The link reaction and the Krebs cycle.

What are the two reduced coenzymes crucial for oxidative phosphorylation?

NADH and FADH2

How many protons does NADH carry?

One proton (H+).

How many protons does FADH2 carry?

Two protons (H+).

What happens to reduced NAD and reduced FAD during oxidative phosphorylation?

They release protons and electrons, regenerating NAD and FAD for the Krebs cycle.

What is the electron transport chain?

A series of electron carrier proteins through which released electrons move, releasing energy.

What is the result of electrons moving through the electron transport chain?

They release energy used to pump protons across the cristae into the IM space, creating a Proton concentration gradient.

What generates the proton concentration gradient in the intermembrane space?

The active transport of protons during electron transport.

What is chemiosmosis?

The diffusion of protons down the concentration gradient through ATP synthase, creating ATP.

How does the proton gradient contribute to ATP production?

Protons diffuse through ATP synthase, driving the conversion of ADP and a phosphate group into ATP.

What role does oxygen play in oxidative phosphorylation?

Oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor, combining with protons and electrons to form water.

What is produced from glucose and oxygen in aerobic respiration?

Water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

What is the importance of oxidative phosphorylation?

It prevents an increase in acidity caused by excess protons, maintaining a stable pH.

What happens to ATP synthase and electron carriers if proton concentration increases too much?

They may denature due to decreased pH.

What is the final output of the electron transport chain?

Water (H2O).

How does the energy from electrons in the chain contribute to proton movement?

It powers the active transport of protons across the membrane.

What is the overall significance of creating a proton gradient?

It creates potential energy used for ATP synthesis.

What is generated when protons combine with electrons and oxygen?

Water molecules (H2O).

Where do the electrons originally come from in oxidative phosphorylation?

From reduced NAD and reduced FAD.

What must happen to reduced NAD and FAD during oxidative phosphorylation?

They must release their protons and electrons.

What occurs if there is a failure in oxidative phosphorylation?

It can lead to increased acidity and disrupt cellular respiration.

What is produced in large quantities during oxidative phosphorylation?

ATP.

Why is the proton gradient considered an electrochemical gradient?

Because it involves both a concentration difference and a charge difference across the membrane.

How does ATP synthase facilitate ATP production?

By rotating as protons flow through it, facilitating the combination of ADP and a phosphate.

What changes in proton concentration affect physiological processes?

Changes that alter pH, affecting enzyme and ATP synthase function.

What are the consequences of denaturing ATP synthase?

A potential halt in ATP production and disruptions in energy metabolism.