oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain

• What is the process that produces ATP from the oxidation of coenzymes?

  Oxidative Phosphorylation
• What is the main coenzyme involved in cellular respiration?

  NADH
• What happens to NADH during oxidation?

  It is converted to NAD+
• What does oxidation involve in terms of electrons?

  Losing electrons
• What is the final electron acceptor in the process of oxidative phosphorylation?

  Oxygen
• What is produced when oxygen accepts electrons and protons?

  Water
• Why is the energy released from NADH oxidation not captured directly?

  It would release too much energy at once
• What is the role of the electron transport chain in oxidative phosphorylation?

  Transfers electrons to release energy gradually
• What is created by pumping hydrogen protons across a membrane?

  A proton gradient
• What is the function of ATP synthase?

  To produce ATP from ADP and phosphate
• How does ATP synthase generate ATP?

  By using the energy from proton flow
• What is the location of the Krebs Cycle?

  In the Matrix of mitochondria
• What happens to FAD during oxidative phosphorylation?

  It is reduced to FADH2
• What is the significance of the proton gradient created during oxidative phosphorylation?

  It drives ATP production
• How does the structure of ATP synthase facilitate ATP production?

  It rotates to combine ADP and phosphate
• What is the biological currency of energy?

  ATP
• What are the main steps of oxidative phosphorylation?

  1. NADH is oxidized to NAD+.
  2. Electrons are transferred through the electron transport chain.
  3. Energy from electron transfer pumps protons across the membrane.
  4. A proton gradient is created.
  5. Protons flow back through ATP synthase, producing ATP.
• What are the roles of NADH and FADH2 in cellular respiration?

  • NADH: Main electron carrier, produces more ATP.
  • FADH2: Enters electron transport chain later, produces less ATP.
• What are the components of the mitochondria relevant to oxidative phosphorylation?

  • Outer membrane
  • Inner membrane (with cristae)
  • Intermembrane space
  • Matrix (where Krebs Cycle occurs)
• What is the relationship between the electron transport chain and ATP production?

  • The electron transport chain releases energy.
  • This energy is used to pump protons.
  • Proton flow through ATP synthase generates ATP.
• How does the structure of the electron transport chain facilitate its function?

  • Composed of multiple protein complexes.
  • Allows stepwise transfer of electrons.
  • Releases energy gradually for proton pumping.