Energy Generation in Mitochondria and Chloroplasts

Flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on energy generation in mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of electron carriers embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that facilitate electron transfer and generate a proton gradient.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The process that uses energy from the oxidation of NADH and FADH2 to convert ADP to ATP.

Chemiosmotic Coupling

The linking of chemical bond-forming reactions that synthesize ATP with membrane transport processes that pump protons.

Proton Gradient

A difference in proton concentration across a membrane, generated by the electron transport chain that drives ATP synthesis.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, using the energy from the proton gradient.

Acetyl CoA

A molecule that is produced in the mitochondria and further oxidized to CO2 during cellular respiration, generating high-energy electrons.

Role of Oxygen in Cellular Respiration

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, allowing for the continuation of the process.

Mitochondrial Matrix

The innermost compartment of mitochondria where the citric acid cycle occurs and is rich in enzymes for oxidation of pyruvate and fatty acids.

Intermembrane Space

The space between the inner and outer membranes of the mitochondria, containing enzymes that utilize ATP for phosphorylation.

Final Electron Acceptor

Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, essential for oxidative phosphorylation.