Mitochondria and the TCA Cycle

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Questions and Answers

Why is the inner mitochondrial membrane less permeable compared to the outer membrane?

  • To facilitate the diffusion of CO2 out of the matrix.
  • To maintain the electrochemical gradient necessary for ATP synthesis. (correct)
  • To prevent the entry of pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix.
  • To allow for easier passage of acetyl-CoA into the intermembrane space.

What is the primary reason the TCA cycle is referred to as a 'cycle'?

  • The enzymes involved are recycled after each reaction.
  • It requires continuous input of ATP to function.
  • It involves a series of reactions that occur in a circular pattern within the mitochondrial matrix.
  • The final product is identical to the initial substrate, allowing the process to repeat. (correct)

What is the immediate fate of acetyl-CoA when it enters the TCA cycle?

  • It binds to the inner mitochondrial membrane.
  • It is directly converted into ATP.
  • It is transported to the intermembrane space for further processing.
  • The coenzyme A (CoA) component is removed, leaving acetyl. (correct)

For each molecule of acetyl that enters the TCA cycle, how many molecules of $CO_2$ are produced?

<p>2 (D)</p>
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What determines whether FAD is reduced to $FADH_2$ instead of NADH during the TCA cycle?

<p>The amount of energy released during substrate conversion. (A)</p>
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During substrate-level phosphorylation in the TCA cycle, what molecule directly donates a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP?

<p>GTP (C)</p>
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If the electron transport chain (ETC) ceases to function due to a lack of oxygen, what immediate effect does this have on the TCA cycle?

<p>The TCA cycle slows down and eventually stops due to a deficiency of $NAD^+$ and FAD. (D)</p>
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In what cellular compartment does the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA occur?

<p>Mitochondrial Matrix (B)</p>
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What are the direct products of the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA?

<p>$CO_2$ and NADH (B)</p>
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Translocators of the inner membrane are known as:

<p>TIMs (B)</p>
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What happens to the carbons from acetyl as it goes through the cycle?

<p>They are released as $CO_2$ (C)</p>
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What is the total amount of ATP produced by the end of the TCA cycle?

<p>38 (A)</p>
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Which molecule is the main factor of the TCA cycle?

<p>Acetyl-CoA (B)</p>
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What is another name for NADH and $FADH_2$?

<p>Reduced Coenzymes (D)</p>
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Where are TOMs translocators located?

<p>Outer Membrane (A)</p>
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Flashcards

Intermembrane Space

The space between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes.

Mitochondrial Matrix

The space enclosed by the inner mitochondrial membrane.

TOMs

Translocators on the mitochondrial outer membrane that are less specific.

TIMs

Translocators on the mitochondrial inner membrane.

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Acetyl CoA in TCA Cycle

The main input/starting molecule of the TCA cycle.

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NADH and FADH2

Reduced forms of coenzymes that carry electrons to the ETC.

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NAD+ and FAD

Coenzymes that accept electrons.

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Substrate-Level Phosphorylation

Conversion of a substrate molecule to generate ATP or GTP.

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Oxidative Phosphorylation

Process where ATP is synthesized using the energy released by the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.

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Total ATP Yield

The estimated total number of ATP molecules produced per glucose molecule through cellular respiration.

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Pyruvate to Acetyl CoA

Conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA

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Study Notes

  • Mitochondria possess two membranes, with the intermembrane space located between them
  • The matrix refers to the space enclosed by the inner membrane
  • The outer mitochondrial membrane exhibits greater permeability compared to the inner membrane
  • TOMs, found on the outer membrane, act as less specific translocators
  • TIMs are translocators located on the inner membrane

TCA Cycle Characteristics

  • The TCA cycle is named as such because the final product is identical to the initial substrate
  • Acetyl coA serves as the primary component of the TCA cycle
  • Upon entering the cycle, coA is removed, leaving only acetyl
  • As acetyl progresses through the cycle, it loses its carbon in the form of CO2
  • Because acetyl consists of two carbon atoms, two CO2 molecules are produced per cycle

Products of the TCA Cycle

  • Three NADH molecules are generated during substrate conversion
  • In instances where energy release between conversions is insufficient, FAD is reduced to FADH2
  • NADH and FADH2 are classified as reduced coenzymes
  • ATP is generated via substrate-level phosphorylation, but most ATP is produced during oxidative phosphorylation
  • GDP is converted to GTP, subsequently donating a phosphate group to ADP, resulting in the production of one ATP molecule per cycle

ATP Production

  • A total of 38 ATP molecules are produced

Impact of Oxygen Absence

  • In the absence of O2, the electron transport chain (ETC) ceases to function, leading to an accumulation of FADH2 and NADH, as well as a deficiency of NAD and FAD
  • Consequently, the Krebs cycle also halts its operation

Pyruvate Conversion

  • Pyruvate undergoes conversion to Acetyl coA within the mitochondria
  • This specific step is not considered part of the TCA cycle
  • This conversion process yields CO2 and NADH

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