Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation, aiding in the understanding of biochemical processes involved in ATP production.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of complexes in the mitochondria for transferring electrons and generating ATP.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The process of phosphorylation of ADP to ATP coupled to electron transfer from a substrate to molecular oxygen.

NADH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in its reduced form, a key electron carrier in the electron transport chain.

Oxidoreductases

A group of enzymes that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions.

Substrate Level Phosphorylation

The direct transfer of a phosphate group to ADP from a substrate molecule to form ATP.

Chemiosmotic Hypothesis

The theory that ATP production is driven by a proton gradient established by the electron transport chain.

P/O Ratio

The number of ATP molecules synthesized per oxygen atom consumed during oxidative phosphorylation.

Uncouplers

Compounds that disrupt the coupling between electron transport and ATP synthesis.

Cytochromes

Proteins containing heme groups that participate in electron transport.

Inhibitors of ETC

Substances that impede the function of the electron transport chain, affecting ATP production.

Complexes of the ETC

Different groups of proteins within the ETC that each play specific roles in electron transport.

Fe-S Centers

Iron-sulfur proteins serving as electron carriers in the electron transport chain.

FADH2

Flavin adenine dinucleotide in its reduced form, another important electron carrier.

Rotenone

An inhibitor of complex I in the electron transport chain.

DNP (2,4-Dinitrophenol)

An uncoupler that dissipates the proton gradient without producing ATP.

Mitochondrial Membrane

The membrane that surrounds the mitochondria where the electron transport chain occurs.

ADP + Pi

Reactants that combine to form ATP during oxidative phosphorylation.

Luft Syndrome

A condition associated with impaired oxidative phosphorylation and increased metabolic heat production.

MELAS

Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes, a genetic disorder related to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Inhibitors of Oxidative Phosphorylation

Compounds that inhibit both electron transport and phosphorylation of ADP, such as oligomycin.