Biochemistry BS31004: Bioenergetics Overview

Molecules within proteins that can carry one electron at a time.

A cofactor that can carry one electron at a time, crucial in electron transfer.

Cofactors that can carry two electrons at a time.

The movement of electrons between molecules within proteins and across the lipid bilayer.

A type of quinone that plays a role in electron transfer.

A cellular organelle that plays a critical role in respiration and energy production.

A series of protein complexes and cofactors that transfer electrons to oxygen.

The tendency of a cofactor to gain or lose electrons.

The electrochemical gradient generated by the pumping of protons across a membrane.

Measure of the proton motive force in millivolts.

Membrane potential component of proton motive force.

pH difference component of the proton motive force.

Measure of a molecule's tendency to accept or donate electrons.

A molecule that releases electrons in a redox reaction.

A molecule that gains electrons in a redox reaction.

Organic cofactors that transport electrons in metabolic pathways.

Metabolic process where energy is released from glucose or other molecules.

The mitochondrion produces ATP for the cell's energy needs, not for its own use.

The difference in proton concentration between the intermembrane space (IMS) and the mitochondrial matrix. This gradient is a form of stored energy.

The variation in pH between the IMS (acidic) and the matrix (alkaline). It contributes to the proton gradient.

Combined effect of the proton gradient (ΔpH) and the electrical potential difference (Δψ) across the mitochondrial membrane.

A protein that transports phosphate ions (H2PO4-) across the mitochondrial membrane.

A process where the proton gradient is dissipated without ATP production. This releases energy as heat.

A chemical that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, leading to heat production.

A type of fat tissue containing specialized mitochondria that uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, producing heat.

A protein found in brown fat mitochondria that facilitates proton leak, leading to thermogenesis.

The energy stored in the proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane. It drives ATP synthesis.

Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, producing ATP (energy currency) through the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

This theory explains how ATP synthesis is coupled to electron transport in mitochondria. It involves the generation of a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP production.

A series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons from electron donors to oxygen, creating the proton gradient essential for ATP synthesis.

The process by which ATP is produced by the transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, using the energy released to pump protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

The electrochemical potential difference across the inner mitochondrial membrane, created by the proton gradient. This gradient is used by ATP synthase to produce ATP.

The process of moving protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane to generate a proton gradient, which is used to produce ATP.

The ratio of the number of ATP molecules produced to the number of oxygen atoms consumed in respiration.

Approximately 5-6 ATP molecules are produced per oxygen molecule consumed during respiration.

Approximately 20 protons are pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane per oxygen molecule consumed in respiration.

Approximately 3-4 protons are needed to produce one ATP molecule.

The amount of energy released when one mole of ATP is broken down into ADP and inorganic phosphate.

The amount of energy released when one proton moves across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Approximately 2.2 protons are needed to produce one ATP molecule based on thermodynamic considerations.

The mitochondrion produces ATP for the cell, not for itself. The Adenine Nucleotide Exchanger requires a proton motive force (Δψ) for the exchange of ADP and ATP, which consumes extra protons.

A protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that exchanges ADP from the intermembrane space for ATP from the matrix, consuming protons to drive the exchange but not affecting the pH gradient.

The circular DNA molecule found within mitochondria, encoding essential proteins for mitochondrial function.

Processes that regulate the size and number of mitochondria. Fusion combines mitochondria, while fission splits them.

The process of selective degradation of damaged mitochondria by autophagy.

The combined effect of the proton gradient (ΔpH) and the electrical potential difference (Δψ) across the mitochondrial membrane.

Mitochondria are cellular organelles with a unique structure that supports their role in energy production. They have two membranes: the outer membrane and the inner membrane. The inner membrane is folded into cristae, increasing its surface area and providing more space for protein complexes involved in respiration.

The process by which ATP is generated using the energy stored in the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The enzyme ATP synthase uses the proton gradient to drive the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

The movement of electrons through a series of protein complexes and cofactors embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane, releasing energy used to pump protons across the membrane.

As electrons move through the electron transport chain, energy is released. This energy powers proton pumps, which actively transport protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating the proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.