Mitochondria and Cellular Energy

Mitochondria are organelles in eukaryotic cells that produce most of the cell's ATP, using oxygen to convert energy in food molecules into a usable form (ATP).

ATP is synthesized through a process called chemiosmosis, which involves electron transport chains and ATP synthase within the mitochondrial membrane.

Chemiosmosis is the process in which energy from a proton gradient across a membrane is used to generate ATP.

A series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons from molecules like NADH, generating a proton gradient.

A molecule that carries electrons in cellular respiration, accepting two electrons and one proton to become NADH, acting as a crucial electron carrier.

An enzyme that uses the energy from the proton gradient to catalyze the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi).

A difference in proton concentration across a membrane, storing potential energy that drives ATP synthesis.

Electron carrier molecule transporting electrons from food degradation sites to the inner mitochondrial membrane.

A series of electron carriers that transfer electrons released from food molecules to oxygen, creating a proton gradient and producing ATP.

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living bacteria that were engulfed by larger eukaryotic cells, forming a symbiotic relationship.

Double-stranded circular DNA found in mitochondria, smaller than chloroplast DNA.

DNA found in chloroplasts; its genes code for products involved in photosynthesis and translation.

Mitochondria have two membranes: an outer membrane with porins for transporting small molecules, and an inner membrane crucial for the electron transport chain.

The inner compartment of the mitochondrion, containing enzymes for the citric acid cycle.

Mitochondria have two membranes: an outer membrane and an inner membrane. The inner membrane is folded into cristae, increasing its surface area.

The citric acid cycle in the mitochondrial matrix produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and NADH.

The enzymes of the electron transport chain (respiratory chain) are embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

The process using the respiratory chain to generate ATP (energy currency of the cell).

The electron transport chain receives high-energy electrons from NADH, creating a gradient that drives ATP production.

ATP is generated through a chemiosmotic process driven by energy from the electron transport chain, using ADP and phosphate.

Biological oxidation (respiratory chain) stores energy released from oxidation, unlike simple combustion, which releases heat.

Oxidative phosphorylation occurs by using the energy from the electron transport chain to create a proton gradient which drives ATP production.

Oxygen is consumed in the inner membrane during respiration, not directly in the citric acid cycle.

A series of molecules that facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions in the process of cellular energy conversion.

A molecular machine that generates ATP using the energy of an H+ gradient.

The process of using the potential energy from an H+ gradient to produce ATP.

A difference in H+ concentration across a membrane, creating potential energy.

A difference in hydrogen ion concentration (pH) across a membrane, contributing to the electrochemical gradient.

A difference in electrical potential across a membrane, also contributing to the electrochemical gradient.

The process of using energy from the electron transport chain to synthesize ATP.

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons in oxidative phosphorylation.

A transmembrane protein that uses the proton gradient to produce ATP from ADP and Pi.

Difference in proton (H+) concentration across the inner mitochondrial membrane, storing energy for ATP production.

Approximately 30-32 ATP molecules are produced per glucose molecule during cellular respiration.

Mitochondria are essential for ATP production and some metabolic processes.

Energy from the movement of protons (H+) back across the inner membrane powers ATP synthesis.

Bacteria also use chemiosmotic mechanisms to generate energy from various sources.

The electrochemical gradient established across a membrane by the pumping of protons, which drives ATP synthesis.

ATP synthase can use existing ATP to generate a proton gradient.

Most bacteria use a proton gradient across their membrane for various functions, including flagellar motor.

Freely permeable to small molecules and ions.

Large enough to be seen by modern light microscopy.

Associated with actin filaments of the cytoskeleton

Found in the cristae membrane.

Takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.

Describes the intermembrane space, not outer membrane.

Present in the outer mitochondrial membrane.