Cell and Molecular Biology: Mitochondrial Function and Energy Metabolism

A set of flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts related to mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in cell biology.

Oxidative phosphorylation

The process by which ATP is formed from the flow of electrons through the electron transport chain and the generation of a proton gradient.

Chemiosmotic coupling

The process of using an electrochemical gradient to drive ATP synthesis.

Electrochemical gradient

A gradient created across a membrane, consisting of both a concentration gradient and a charge gradient, important for proton movement in mitochondria.

ATP synthase

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate using the proton motive force.

NADH

A high-energy electron carrier produced during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

FADH2

Another high-energy electron carrier produced during the citric acid cycle.

Citric acid cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Proton motive force (pmf)

The force that promotes movement of protons across membranes, driving ATP synthesis.

Redox potential (E’)

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

Final electron acceptor

In aerobic respiration, oxygen (O2) is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

Cristae

The folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane where the electron transport chain and ATP synthase are located.

Porins

Proteins that form channels in the outer mitochondrial membrane for the transport of small molecules and ions.