Respiration - notes from textbook

• What is the process that occurs in living cells to release energy from organic molecules?


  Respiration
• Why is ATP known as the energy currency of cells?


  It is used to fuel many metabolic processes
• What is the main function of ATP in cells?


  To synthesize energy for metabolic processes
• What type of energy is released from organic molecules during respiration?


  Potential energy
• Which metabolic process requires energy for active transport?


  Cellular respiration
• What are the three main stages of glycolysis?


  Phosphorylation, splitting, and oxidation
• What is the role of NAD in glycolysis?


  To accept hydrogen atoms during oxidation
• How many molecules of ATP are produced from one molecule of glucose during glycolysis?


  Two molecules of ATP
• What is the significance of the cristae in mitochondria?


  They increase the surface area for ATP synthesis
• What is the structure of ATP?


  A nucleotide composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups
• Why do mitochondria have a double membrane?


  To create compartments for different metabolic processes
• How does the electron transport chain contribute to ATP production?


  It pumps protons into the intermembrane space, creating a gradient
• What is the function of the matrix in mitochondria?


  It contains enzymes for the citric acid cycle and mitochondrial DNA
• What happens to electrons during the electron transport chain?


  They release energy as they move down the chain
• What is the significance of the intermembrane space in mitochondria?


  It allows for the electron transport chain to function effectively
• What is the diameter range of mitochondria?


  0.5–1.0 μm
• How do the outer and inner membranes of mitochondria differ in permeability?


  The outer membrane is more permeable to small molecules than the inner membrane
• What is the role of coenzymes in oxidation and reduction reactions?


  They help move electrons during these reactions
• What is the main product of glycolysis?


  Two molecules of pyruvate
• What are the four main stages of respiration?


  1. Glycolysis
  2. The link reaction
  3. The Krebs cycle
  4. Oxidative phosphorylation
• How does the structure of mitochondria enable them to carry out their functions?


  • Double membrane creates compartments
  • Cristae increase surface area for ATP synthesis
  • Matrix contains enzymes for the citric acid cycle
  • Intermembrane space facilitates electron transport
• What are the three main stages of glycolysis and their functions?


  1. Phosphorylation: Converts glucose to hexose bisphosphate
  2. Splitting: Divides hexose bisphosphate into triose phosphates
  3. Oxidation: Converts triose phosphate to pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH
• What are the key functions of ATP in cellular processes?


  • Fuels metabolic processes
  • Powers active transport
  • Drives muscle contraction
  • Supports DNA replication
• What is the significance of NAD in cellular respiration?


  • Acts as an electron carrier
  • Accepts hydrogen atoms during oxidation
  • Essential for glycolysis and Krebs cycle
• What is the role of the electron transport chain in ATP production?


  • Pumps protons into the intermembrane space
  • Creates a proton gradient
  • Drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase
• How do electric eels produce electricity from food?


  • Convert chemical energy from food into electrical energy
  • Utilise specialised cells to generate high voltage
• How do bacteria produce electricity from food?


  • Use metabolic processes to convert food into electrical energy
  • Employ electron transport chains similar to eukaryotes
• Why is ATP hydrolysis important in glycolysis?


  • Activates glucose for phosphorylation
  • Provides energy for reactions to occur
• What is the significance of the cristae in mitochondria?


  • Increase surface area for ATP synthesis
  • House electron transport chain components
• What is the role of the matrix in mitochondria?


  • Contains enzymes for the citric acid cycle
  • Houses mitochondrial DNA and ribosomes
• What is the function of the intermembrane space in mitochondria?


  • Contains protons pumped during electron transport
  • Facilitates ATP synthesis through proton gradient
• How does the structure of the outer membrane of mitochondria contribute to its function?


  • Allows passage of small molecules like pyruvate
  • Similar phospholipid composition to other organelles
• How does the inner membrane of mitochondria differ from the outer membrane?


  • Less permeable to small ions like hydrogen ions
  • Contains ATP synthase and electron transport chain proteins
• What is the significance of the electron carriers in the electron transport chain?


  • Accept and donate electrons
  • Facilitate energy release for ATP production
• What is the importance of the proton gradient in mitochondria?


  • Drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase
  • Maintains energy balance in the cell
• How does the electron transport chain contribute to the overall process of respiration?


  • Final stage of aerobic respiration
  • Produces ATP through oxidative phosphorylation
• What is the role of coenzymes in cellular respiration?


  • Assist in oxidation and reduction reactions
  • Help transport electrons within metabolic pathways
• Why is the net gain of ATP during glycolysis only two molecules?


  • Four molecules are produced, but two are used in the process
• What is the significance of the link reaction in cellular respiration?


  • Connects glycolysis to the Krebs cycle
  • Converts pyruvate into acetyl-CoA
• What is the role of the Krebs cycle in cellular respiration?


  • Produces electron carriers for the electron transport chain
  • Generates ATP and carbon dioxide as byproducts