Energy Generation in Mitochondria and Chloroplasts

These flashcards cover key concepts related to energy generation in mitochondria and chloroplasts, including structures, functions, and metabolic pathways.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and play a role in cellular respiration.

Oxidative phosphorylation

The metabolic pathway in mitochondria that uses energy released by the electron transport chain to produce ATP.

NAD+

A coenzyme that is a key electron carrier in cellular metabolism, regenerated during glycolysis under aerobic conditions.

Chemiosmotic coupling

A process linking ATP synthesis to the transmembrane proton gradient created by the electron transport chain.

Proton-motive force

The force generated by a pH gradient across the mitochondrial membrane that drives protons back into the matrix.

ATP synthase

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP using the energy from protons flowing down their electrochemical gradient.

Citric acid cycle

A key metabolic pathway that produces intermediates for biosynthesis and generates electron carriers NADH and FADH2.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Highly reactive molecules generated in mitochondria that, while potentially damaging, also play roles in cell signaling.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, which can be triggered by signals from mitochondria.

Cristae

Folded inner membrane structures in mitochondria that increase surface area for oxidative phosphorylation.

Intermembrane space

The space between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes, containing enzymes that utilize ATP.

Electron transport chain

A series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that facilitate the transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH2.