You are encouraged to review what you have learned about glycolysis, fermentatio
ID: 217139 • Letter: Y
Question
You are encouraged to review what you have learned about glycolysis, fermentation, the conversion of pyruvic acid into acetyl-CoA, and the Krebs cycle. In this section, however, we will focus on the electron transport chain and the generation of ATP.
(1) Where are the enzymes and other proteins that make up the electron transport chain found in Prokaryotes and in Eukaryotes?
(2) The electron transport chain is the process of transferring electrons from reduced coenzymes to the final electron acceptor, which is usually (but not always) oxygen. Explain how the pumping of the ions across the membrane as a result of electron transport leads to the generation of ATP.
(3) The ATP synthase is a reversible enzyme; the synthesis of ATP depends upon the flow of hydrogen atoms in a particular direction. What would happen to the proton gradient if the pumping of protons in the electron transport chain occurred in the opposite direction? What effect would this have on ATP if protons still flowed through the ATP synthase from high to low concentration?
(4) What are some of the major functions of the cell that require the ATP generated as a result of cellular respiration?
Explanation / Answer
1. Answer:
In Eukaryotes: They are found on inner membrane of mitochondria
In prokaryotes: ETC is found in inner side of cellular membrane.
Answer 2:
(With reference to eukaryotes): with constant removal of protons from inner matrix of mitochondria to intermembrane space, H+ ions accumulate their generating a proton gradient. This gradient allows movement of protons from intermembrane space to matrix back. Only possible pathway for this is ATPase enzyme. When protons passes through it, for each 3 protons one ATP is synthesised using ADP and Pi.
Answer 3:
If proton gradient is in opposite direction, this will cause ATPase enzyme to work in reverse manner. If protons still flow through it, it will hydrolyse ATP to ADP.
Answer 4:
Cell needs ATP for:
1. Synthesis of biomolecules
2. Spindle formation during cell division.
3. Transport of material across cell membrane.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.