biochemistry S2 Y1 Flashcards
(283 cards)
Role of non-photosynthetic energy conversion pathways?
Catabolise carbon-based fuels (fats, carbs and proteins) to reduce O2
What does the inner mitochondrial membrane contain to enable the ETC to occur?
Complexes for electrons to pass through
Why is there a proton gradient across the inner-mitochondrial membrane?
Electrochemical movement of protons from area of high conc. to low conc. to produce ATP (due to redox running electron motive force)
2 things the proton gradient establishes?
- pH gradient that forms chemical potential energy
- Electrical difference that forms electrical potential energy
Why is low pH created in mitochondrial matrix?
Protons then move into the matrix through ATP synthase to form ATP (proton flow = electric current, ATP synthase = resistor)
Why is low pH created in chloroplasts’ cytosol?
Photosystems move protons into thylakoids and then they move out to produce ATP
What is H+ uncoupling?
Generation of heat rather than ATP
What are blocking effects?
Blockers shutting down H+ flow to cause cell death as DPH and DY increase
When is proton uncoupling used?
In hibernation, newborn mammals, cold-adapted animals and bodybuilders to generate heat
Why have humans used 2,4-DNP?
It is an uncoupler that causes rapid weight loss
How was the chemiosmotic theory proven?
Using an artificial membrane containing a bacteriorhodopsin protein (much like a photosystem - light lets H+ through) and a mitochondria - ATP WAS SYNTHESISED
What carry out oxidative phosphorylation?
Four protein complexes (I-IV), cytochrome C, ATP synthase
What provide channels for small molecules across outer membranes?
Porin proteins
Role of translocase proteins?
Shuttle ATP, ADP, Pi across inner-mitochondrial membrane
- Number of H+ translocated at the start of the ETC?
- How many reenter per ATP?
- 10
- 4 (3 via ATP synthase, 1 via phosphate translocase)
What happens to the electron donor whilst transferring to acceptor (the oxidant)?
It is oxidised (acts as a reductant)
Do oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously or at different times?
Simultaneously (as shown by half-equations, oxidised form on LHS)
4 ways electrons are transferred from donor to acceptor?
- Directly as electrons
- As hydrogen atoms
- As a hybride ion (:H-)
- Direct combination with oxygen
- What depends on redox potential?
- How is standard redox potential of a couple measured?
- Role of strong reducing agent (e.g. NADH)?
- Role of strong oxidising agent (e.g. Fe3+)?
- Tendency of a redox couple accepting and donating
- Using electrochemical cell relative to standard hydrogen electrode
- Poised to donate electrons (has negative redox potential)
- Ready to accept electrons (has positive redox potential)
What is E°’?
Potential of a redox couple in which reduced and oxidised species are present at 1M, 25°C, pH7
- Where do electrons flow in a spontaneous reaction?
- ΔG°’ and ΔE°’ in spontaneous reaction?
- From redox couple of lower potential to redox couple of higher potential
- ΔG°’ is negative
ΔE°’ is positive
Equation for work done when an electron is moved in an electric field?
Work done = electron charge x potential
Equation for ΔG°’?
ΔG°’ = -n x F x ΔE°’
n = no. of electrons transferred
F = Faraday constant (96.5)
ΔE°’ = difference in standard reduction potentials between 2 redox couples (V)
What is the Nernst equation?
E’ = ΔE°’ + (2.303 RT / nF) log10 ([e- acceptor] / [e- donor])
- At 25°C, (2.303 RT / nF) = 0.059 for 1 electron transfer, 0.0295 for 2