Importance Of ATP Flashcards
What is ATP
Adenosine triphosphate
The universal energy carrier found in all living cells
Where is ATP produced
ATP is synthesised on thr internal membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts
Describe how ATP is synthesised
Involves ATP synthase, an enzyme found embedded in cellular membranes
ATP synthase phosphorylates ADP to form ATP as protons flow through it
Compare the flow of protons across the mitochondrial and chloroplast membranes
Mitcochondrial membrane: H+ Flow from the inter membrane space into the matrix across the inner membrane
Chloroplast membrane: H+ flow from the thylakoid space into the stroma, across the thylakoid membranes
Define chemiosmosis
The synthesis of ATP through the movement of protons down their electrochemical gradient across a semi permeable membrane, catalysed by ATP synthase
How is the proton gradient maintained during chemiosmosis
Potential energy associated with excited electrons is coupled to the active transport of H+ across the membrane by proton pumps
What is an electron transport chain
A series of electron carrier proteins that transfer electrons in a chain of oxidation reduction reactions, releasing energy
How can dehydrogenase activity be investigated
Investigated using artificial hydrogen acceptors such as DCPIP, methylene blue and tetrazolium compounds
What colour change is observed when DCPIP is reduced
Dark blue to colourless
What colour change is observed when methylene blue is reduced
Dark blue to colourless
Why is ATP described as universal energy currency
ATP provides energy in all cells for all reactions
ATP releases energy in small, usable amounts
ATP is easily hydrolysed removing the terminal phosphate group to release energy forming ADP
What is phosphorylation
3rd phosphate group is reattached with a high energy bond. This process is converting ADP back to ATP
What enzyme converts ADP back to ATP
ATP synthase
Where is ATP synthase found
It spans the membrane
Where are proton pumps found
Inner mitochondrial membrane
