Biochemistry: Citric Acid Cycle and Electron Transport Chain

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the Citric Acid Cycle, Electron Transport Chain, and ATP synthesis based on lecture notes.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA and production of NADH and FADH2.

Amphibolic

Refers to metabolic pathways that have both catabolic and anabolic functions.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The metabolic pathway in which cells use enzymes to oxidize nutrients, thereby releasing energy, which is used to form ATP.

Standard Reduction Potential (Eo')

A measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and thereby be reduced.

Complex I

The first enzyme complex in the mitochondrial electron transport chain that facilitates the transfer of electrons from NADH to coenzyme Q.

Proton Gradient

The difference in proton concentration across a membrane, which is used by ATP synthase to generate ATP.

Chemiosmotic Coupling

The process where the energy from the electron transport chain is used to pump protons across a membrane, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Coenzyme Q (Ubiquinone)

A highly lipophilic coenzyme that participates in the electron transport chain and transfers electrons from complex I and II to complex III.

Cytochrome c

A small heme protein that is involved in the electron transport chain and transfers electrons between complexes III and IV.

Malate-Aspartate Shuttle

A mechanism to transport cytoplasmic NADH into the mitochondria since NADH cannot cross the mitochondrial membrane.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that creates ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) using the energy of the proton gradient.

ΔGo'

The change in standard free energy, representing the energy change during a reaction under standard conditions.