Chemiosmotic Proton Circuit and ATP Production

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the chemiosmotic proton circuit and ATP production, emphasizing the roles of the electron transport chain, TCA cycle, and associated enzymes.

Chemiosmosis

The process by which energy is stored in the form of a proton gradient across a membrane and used for ATP production.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors.

Protons (H+)

Hydrogen ions that create a concentration gradient in the mitochondrial intermembrane space during electron transport.

ATP Synthesis

The process of converting ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) into ATP, powered by proton flow through ATPase.

TCA Cycle

Also known as the Krebs cycle, it generates reducing equivalents (NADH and FADH) for the electron transport chain.

NADH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme that carries electrons to the electron transport chain.

FADH2

Flavin adenine dinucleotide, another coenzyme that contributes electrons to the electron transport chain.

Dehydrogenase Complexes

Enzyme complexes such as PDHC and ICDH that help produce reducing equivalents like NADH in the TCA cycle.

Reducing Equivalents

Molecules such as NADH and FADH2 that are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP.

Enzyme Deficiencies

Lack of specific enzymes in the TCA cycle that can limit ATP production by reducing the supply of NADH.