Mitochondrial Function and Oxidative Phosphorylation

This set of flashcards covers important vocabulary and concepts related to mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation.

Oxidation

A process involving the loss of electrons during a reaction.

Phosphorylation

The synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi).

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes and other molecules where electrons are transferred from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions.

Proton Gradient

A difference in proton concentration across a membrane that can drive ATP synthesis.

Substrate-Level Phosphorylation

A method of synthesizing ATP that does not involve the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The production of ATP using energy derived from the transfer of electrons through the electron transport chain.

NADH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced form), a key electron carrier in metabolic processes.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that creates ATP from ADP and Pi using a proton gradient.

Complex I

NADH-Q reductase, a proton pump that accepts electrons from NADH.

Complex III

Q-cytochrome c reductase, responsible for transferring electrons from QH2 to cytochrome c.

Superoxide

A reactive oxygen species formed when molecular oxygen abstracts electrons.

Respiratory Chain

The set of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that facilitates electron transport and proton pumping.

Malate/Aspartate Shuttle

A metabolic pathway that transfers electrons from cytosolic NADH into the mitochondria.

FADH2

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (reduced form), another important electron carrier.

Cytochrome c

A mobile electron carrier that shuttles electrons between complex III and complex IV.

Adenine Nucleotide Translocase

A transporter that exchanges ATP produced in the matrix for ADP from the cytosol.

Electrogenic Transport

Transport processes that generate a change in membrane potential.

Binding Change Mechanism

The mechanism by which conformational changes in ATP synthase lead to ATP synthesis.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can lead to cellular damage.

Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The membrane where oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain occur.