Results for "mitochondrial matrix"

🟧 Pyruvate Oxidation & Citric Acid Cycle (Stage 2 – in the mitochondrial matrix)

Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle

endomembrane system Semi-autonomous organelles Protein sorting to organelles Systems biology of cells Cell Biology & Cell Theory Cell biology: The study of individual cells and their interactions. Cell Theory (Schleiden & Schwann, with contributions from Virchow): All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. Cells are the smallest units of life. New cells arise only from pre-existing cells through division (e.g., binary fission). Origins of Life: Four Overlapping Stages Stage 1: Formation of Organic Molecules Primitive Earth conditions favored spontaneous organic molecule formation. Hypotheses on the origin of organic molecules: Reducing Atmosphere Hypothesis: Earth's early atmosphere (rich in water vapor) facilitated molecule formation. Stanley Miller’s experiment simulated early conditions, producing amino acids and sugars. Extraterrestrial Hypothesis: Organic carbon (amino acids, nucleic acid bases) may have come from meteorites. Debate exists over survival after intense heating. Deep-Sea Vent Hypothesis: Molecules formed in the temperature gradient between hot vent water & cold ocean water. Supported by experimental evidence. Alkaline hydrothermal vents may have created pH gradients that allowed organic molecule formation. Stage 2: Formation of Polymers Early belief: Prebiotic synthesis of polymers was unlikely in aqueous solutions (water competes with polymerization). Experimental evidence: Clay surfaces facilitated the formation of nucleic acid polymers and polysaccharides. Stage 3: Formation of Boundaries Protobionts: Aggregates of prebiotically produced molecules enclosed by membranes. Characteristics of a protobiont: Boundary separating the internal & external environments. Polymers with information (e.g., genetic material, metabolic instructions). Catalytic functions (enzymatic activities). Self-replication. Liposomes: Vesicles surrounded by lipid bilayers. Can enclose RNA and divide. Stage 4: RNA World Hypothesis RNA was likely the first macromolecule in protobionts due to its ability to: Store information. Self-replicate. Catalyze reactions (ribozymes). Chemical Selection & Evolution: RNA mutations allowed faster replication & self-sufficient nucleotide synthesis. Eventually, RNA world was replaced by the DNA-RNA-protein world due to: DNA providing more stable information storage. Proteins offering greater catalytic efficiency and specialized functions. Microscopy Microscopy Parameters Resolution: Ability to distinguish two adjacent objects. Contrast: Difference between structures (enhanced by special dyes). Magnification: Ratio of image size to actual size. Types of Microscopes Light Microscope: Uses light; resolution = 0.2 micrometers. Electron Microscope: Uses electron beams; resolution = 2 nanometers (100x better than light microscopes). Light Microscopy Subtypes Bright Field: Standard; light passes directly through. Phase Contrast: Amplifies differences in light phase shifts. Differential Interference Contrast (DIC): Enhances contrast for internal structures. Electron Microscopy Subtypes Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Thin slices stained with heavy metals. Some electrons scatter while others pass through to create an image. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Heavy metal-coated sample. Electron beam scans the surface, producing 3D images. Cell Structure & Function Determined by matter, energy, organization, and information. Genome: The complete set of genetic material. Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells Feature Prokaryotic Cells Eukaryotic Cells Nucleus ❌ Absent ✅ Present Membrane-bound organelles ❌ None ✅ Yes Size Small (1-10 µm) Large (10-100 µm) Examples Bacteria, Archaea Plants, Animals, Fungi, Protists Prokaryotic Cell Structure Plasma Membrane: Lipid bilayer barrier. Cytoplasm: Internal fluid. Nucleoid Region: DNA storage (no nucleus). Ribosomes: Protein synthesis. Cell Wall: (Some) Provides structure & protection. Glycocalyx: Protection & hydration. Flagella: Movement. Pili: Attachment. Eukaryotic Cell Structure Nucleus: Contains DNA & controls cell functions. Organelles: Rough ER: Protein synthesis & sorting. Smooth ER: Lipid synthesis, detoxification. Golgi Apparatus: Protein modification & sorting. Mitochondria: ATP production (Powerhouse of the Cell™). Lysosomes: Digestive enzymes for breakdown & recycling. Peroxisomes: Breakdown of harmful substances. Cytoskeleton: Provides structure (microtubules, actin filaments, intermediate filaments). Plasma Membrane: Regulates transport & signaling. Endomembrane System Includes: Nucleus, ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, and plasma membrane. Nuclear Envelope: Double membrane structure. Nuclear pores allow molecule transport. Golgi Apparatus: Modifies & sorts proteins/lipids. Packages proteins into vesicles for secretion (exocytosis). Lysosomes: Contain acid hydrolases for macromolecule breakdown. Perform autophagy (organelle recycling). Semi-Autonomous Organelles Mitochondria Function: ATP production (cellular respiration). Structure: Outer & inner membrane (inner folds = cristae for increased surface area). Mitochondrial matrix houses metabolic enzymes. Chloroplasts (Plants & Algae) Function: Photosynthesis (light energy → chemical energy). Structure: Outer & inner membrane. Thylakoid membrane (site of photosynthesis). Contains chlorophyll. Endosymbiosis Theory Mitochondria & chloroplasts evolved from free-living bacteria that were engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell. Protein Sorting & Cell Organization Co-translational sorting: Proteins destined for ER, Golgi, lysosomes, vacuoles, or secretion. Post-translational sorting: Proteins sent to nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, peroxisomes. Systems Biology Studies how cellular components interact to form a functional system

Cell and Structures Cell vs. Viruses • Cells: Simplest living structures capable of performing all life functions independently. • Viruses: Non-living entities requiring a host cell to replicate and survive. Microscopes • Light Microscope: Uses visible light, magnifies up to 1,000x; resolution limited by wavelength of light. • SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope): Creates detailed 3D images of surfaces; does not show internal structures. • TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope): Produces high-resolution images of internal cellular structures. Magnification and Resolution • Magnification: Enlarges an object’s appearance. • Resolution: Measures the clarity of an image by distinguishing two points as separate. Robert Hooke • Coined the term "cells" after observing cork under a microscope. • Published his findings in Micrographia (1665), advancing the study of cells. Cytology and Biochemistry • Cytology: The study of cell structure and function. • Biochemistry: The study of chemical processes and substances within organisms. Cell Fractionation • A laboratory technique to break apart cells and isolate organelles for detailed study. Size Limitations of Cells • Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which is essential for efficient exchange of materials. Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes • Prokaryotes: No nucleus or membrane-bound organelles; simpler and smaller (e.g., bacteria). • Eukaryotes: Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; larger and more complex. Cell Structures and Functions • Nucleus: Stores genetic material (DNA). • Plasma Membrane: Protects the cell; regulates material exchange. • Cytosol: Fluid portion of the cytoplasm where cellular processes occur. • Microvilli: Increases surface area for absorption in some animal cells. • Cytoskeleton: ◦ Microfilaments (actin): Provides structural support. ◦ Microtubules: Involved in transport and motility. • Animal Cell-Specific Structures: ◦ Desmosomes: Anchor cells together. ◦ Gap Junctions: Channels that allow communication between cells. ◦ Tight Junctions: Create a watertight seal between cells. • Extracellular Matrix (ECM): Nonliving material outside cells, providing structural and biochemical support. • Plant Cell-Specific Structures: ◦ Plasmodesmata: Channels connecting cytoplasm between plant cells. Cellular Respiration Definition • Process of extracting energy from glucose to produce ATP, the cell's main energy currency. ATP • Made by the enzyme ATP synthase, powered by hydrogen ion (H⁺) movement across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Three Stages of Respiration 1 Glycolysis (Cytoplasm): ◦ Reactants: Glucose. ◦ Products: 2 Pyruvate, 2 ATP (net), and NADH. 2 Krebs Cycle (Mitochondrial Matrix): ◦ Reactant: Acetyl CoA. ◦ Products: CO₂, NADH, FADH₂, and 2 ATP. 3 Electron Transport Chain (ETC) (Inner Mitochondrial Membrane): ◦ Reactants: NADH and FADH₂ (electron carriers). ◦ Products: Water and ~32-34 ATP. Key Points • No oxygen = no Krebs cycle or ETC; only 2 ATP are produced via glycolysis. • Fermentation occurs in anaerobic conditions: ◦ Converts pyruvate into lactic acid (in animals) or ethanol (in yeast). Photosynthesis Overview • Process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugars). • Formula: CO2+H2O→O2+G3PCO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow O_2 + G3PCO2​+H2​O→O2​+G3P. Key Concepts 1 Light Reactions (Thylakoid Membranes): ◦ Products: ATP and NADPH (used in the Calvin Cycle). ◦ Oxygen is produced by Photosystem II. 2 Calvin Cycle (Stroma): ◦ Uses ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide into G3P (a sugar precursor). Photosystems • Photosystem II: Produces oxygen and ATP. • Photosystem I: Produces NADPH. Adaptations • C4 Pathway: Spatial separation of steps to avoid photorespiration. • CAM Pathway: Temporal separation, stomata open at night to reduce water loss. Mitosis and Meiosis Mitosis • Division of a eukaryotic somatic (non-reproductive) cell into two identical diploid cells. • Phases: 1 Prophase: Chromosomes condense; spindle forms. 2 Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator. 3 Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate. 4 Telophase: Nuclear envelopes reform. 5 Cytokinesis: Cytoplasm splits into two cells. Meiosis • Specialized cell division in germ cells (ovaries/testes) to produce gametes. • Key Features: ◦ Two divisions produce four genetically unique haploid cells. ◦ Crossing over occurs during Prophase I for genetic diversity. Binary Fission • A simple form of cell division in prokaryotes producing two identical cells. Genetics • Haploid: Single set of chromosomes (e.g., gametes). • Diploid: Two sets of chromosomes (e.g., somatic cells). • Punnett Squares and Pedigrees: Tools to predict genetic inheritance. Cell and Structures Cell vs. Viruses • Cells: Simplest living structures capable of performing all life functions independently. • Viruses: Non-living entities requiring a host cell to replicate and survive. Microscopes • Light Microscope: Uses visible light, magnifies up to 1,000x; resolution limited by wavelength of light. • SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope): Creates detailed 3D images of surfaces; does not show internal structures. • TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope): Produces high-resolution images of internal cellular structures. Magnification and Resolution • Magnification: Enlarges an object’s appearance. • Resolution: Measures the clarity of an image by distinguishing two points as separate. Robert Hooke • Coined the term "cells" after observing cork under a microscope. • Published his findings in Micrographia (1665), advancing the study of cells. Cytology and Biochemistry • Cytology: The study of cell structure and function. • Biochemistry: The study of chemical processes and substances within organisms. Cell Fractionation • A laboratory technique to break apart cells and isolate organelles for detailed study. Size Limitations of Cells • Smaller cells have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which is essential for efficient exchange of materials. Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes • Prokaryotes: No nucleus or membrane-bound organelles; simpler and smaller (e.g., bacteria). • Eukaryotes: Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; larger and more complex. Cell Structures and Functions • Nucleus: Stores genetic material (DNA). • Plasma Membrane: Protects the cell; regulates material exchange. • Cytosol: Fluid portion of the cytoplasm where cellular processes occur. • Microvilli: Increases surface area for absorption in some animal cells. • Cytoskeleton: ◦ Microfilaments (actin): Provides structural support. ◦ Microtubules: Involved in transport and motility. • Animal Cell-Specific Structures: ◦ Desmosomes: Anchor cells together. ◦ Gap Junctions: Channels that allow communication between cells. ◦ Tight Junctions: Create a watertight seal between cells. • Extracellular Matrix (ECM): Nonliving material outside cells, providing structural and biochemical support. • Plant Cell-Specific Structures: ◦ Plasmodesmata: Channels connecting cytoplasm between plant cells. Cellular Respiration Definition • Process of extracting energy from glucose to produce ATP, the cell's main energy currency. ATP • Made by the enzyme ATP synthase, powered by hydrogen ion (H⁺) movement across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Three Stages of Respiration 1 Glycolysis (Cytoplasm): ◦ Reactants: Glucose. ◦ Products: 2 Pyruvate, 2 ATP (net), and NADH. 2 Krebs Cycle (Mitochondrial Matrix): ◦ Reactant: Acetyl CoA. ◦ Products: CO₂, NADH, FADH₂, and 2 ATP. 3 Electron Transport Chain (ETC) (Inner Mitochondrial Membrane): ◦ Reactants: NADH and FADH₂ (electron carriers). ◦ Products: Water and ~32-34 ATP. Key Points • No oxygen = no Krebs cycle or ETC; only 2 ATP are produced via glycolysis. • Fermentation occurs in anaerobic conditions: ◦ Converts pyruvate into lactic acid (in animals) or ethanol (in yeast). Photosynthesis Overview • Process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugars). • Formula: CO2+H2O→O2+G3PCO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow O_2 + G3PCO2​+H2​O→O2​+G3P. Key Concepts 1 Light Reactions (Thylakoid Membranes): ◦ Products: ATP and NADPH (used in the Calvin Cycle). ◦ Oxygen is produced by Photosystem II. 2 Calvin Cycle (Stroma): ◦ Uses ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide into G3P (a sugar precursor). Photosystems • Photosystem II: Produces oxygen and ATP. • Photosystem I: Produces NADPH. Adaptations • C4 Pathway: Spatial separation of steps to avoid photorespiration. • CAM Pathway: Temporal separation, stomata open at night to reduce water loss. Mitosis and Meiosis Mitosis • Division of a eukaryotic somatic (non-reproductive) cell into two identical diploid cells. • Phases: 1 Prophase: Chromosomes condense; spindle forms. 2 Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator. 3 Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate. 4 Telophase: Nuclear envelopes reform. 5 Cytokinesis: Cytoplasm splits into two cells. Meiosis • Specialized cell division in germ cells (ovaries/testes) to produce gametes. • Key Features: ◦ Two divisions produce four genetically unique haploid cells. ◦ Crossing over occurs during Prophase I for genetic diversity. Binary Fission • A simple form of cell division in prokaryotes producing two identical cells. Genetics • Haploid: Single set of chromosomes (e.g., gametes). • Diploid: Two sets of chromosomes (e.g., somatic cells). • Punnett Squares and Pedigrees: Tools to predict genetic inheritance.

Here are the answers to your biology questions: 1. Definitions: * Metabolism: The sum total of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism. * Catabolism: The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy. * Anabolism: The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input. * Endergonic Reaction: A reaction that requires an input of energy to proceed. * Exergonic Reaction: A reaction that releases energy. 2. Role of Enzymes in Metabolism: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy. They bind to specific substrates, forming an enzyme-substrate complex, and catalyze the reaction. This allows metabolic processes to occur at rates compatible with life. 3. Enzyme Activity: * Activation Energy: The minimum amount of energy required for a reaction to occur. * Catalyst: A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. * Active Site: The specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds. * Denaturation: The loss of an enzyme's shape and function, often due to extreme temperature or pH. * Substrate: The molecule upon which an enzyme acts. * Enzyme-Substrate Complex: A temporary complex formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate. * Suffix -ase: Commonly used to denote enzymes, such as sucrase, protease, and lipase. 4. Oxidation-Reduction Reactions in Cellular Respiration: In cellular respiration, oxidation-reduction reactions involve the transfer of electrons and hydrogen ions. Oxidation is the loss of electrons (and often hydrogen atoms), while reduction is the gain of electrons (and often hydrogen atoms). Energy is released during these reactions and is used to produce ATP. 5. Balanced Equation for Cellular Respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy (ATP) 6. Structure of a Mitochondrion: * Outer Membrane: Encloses the mitochondrion. * Inner Membrane: Folded into cristae, increasing surface area for ATP production. * Intermembrane Space: The space between the outer and inner membranes. * Matrix: The fluid-filled space inside the inner membrane, containing enzymes for the citric acid cycle. 7. Glycolysis: Glycolysis is the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate. It occurs in the cytoplasm and produces 2 ATP, 2 NADH, and 2 pyruvate molecules. 8. Citric Acid Cycle: The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. It completely oxidizes pyruvate, producing 2 ATP, 6 NADH, and 2 FADH₂ molecules per glucose molecule. 9. Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation: The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Electrons from NADH and FADH₂ are transferred through the chain, releasing energy that is used to pump protons into the intermembrane space. The resulting proton gradient drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase. 10. ATP and NADH Production: * Glycolysis: 2 ATP, 2 NADH * Citric Acid Cycle: 2 ATP, 6 NADH, 2 FADH₂ * Electron Transport Chain: ~32 ATP (from NADH and FADH₂) 11. Structure and Function of a Dicot Leaf: Dicot leaves are typically broad and flat, with a network of veins. They have a waxy cuticle to prevent water loss, stomata for gas exchange, and mesophyll cells containing chloroplasts for photosynthesis. 12. Structure of a Chloroplast: * Thylakoid: A flattened, disc-shaped sac. * Thylakoid Membrane: The membrane surrounding the thylakoid. * Thylakoid Space: The interior of the thylakoid. * Stroma: The fluid-filled space outside the thylakoids. * Grana: Stacks of thylakoids. 13. Site of Light-Dependent and Light-Independent Reactions: * Light-Dependent Reactions: Thylakoid membrane * Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle): Stroma 14. Balanced Equation for Photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ * Carbon (C) from CO₂ is incorporated into glucose. * Hydrogen (H) from water (H₂O) is incorporated into glucose. * Oxygen (O) from water is released as O₂. 15. Dual Nature of Light: Light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. As a wave, it has a wavelength and frequency. As a particle, it consists of photons, discrete packets of energy. 16. Light Reactions: Light energy is absorbed by pigments in photosystems I and II, exciting electrons. These electrons are transferred through a series of electron carriers, generating ATP and NADPH. Water is split, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. 17. Calvin Cycle: The Calvin cycle uses ATP and NADPH from the light reactions to fix CO₂ from the atmosphere. CO₂ is incorporated into RuBP, forming 3-PGA. 3-PGA is reduced to G3P, which can be used to synthesize glucose or regenerate RuBP. 18. Role of Photosynthetic Pigments: Photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids, absorb light energy and transfer it to the reaction center of photosystems. 19. Role of Photosystems: Photosystems I and II are protein complexes containing pigments and electron carriers. They absorb light energy and use it to excite electrons, initiating the electron transport chain. 20. Phases of the Calvin Cycle: * Carbon Fixation: CO₂ is fixed to RuBP, forming 3-PGA. * Reduction: 3-PGA is reduced to G3P using ATP and NADPH. * Regeneration of RuBP: G3P is used to regenerate RuBP, allowing the cycle to continue. 21. ATP, NADPH, and CO₂ Requirements: * To produce 1 G3P molecule: 9 ATP, 6 NADPH, and 3 CO₂ * To produce 1 glucose molecule: 18 ATP, 12 NADPH, and 6 CO₂ I