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(BIOCHEMISTRY QUESTION) A new compound isolated from mitochondria is claimed to

ID: 992136 • Letter: #

Question

(BIOCHEMISTRY QUESTION) A new compound isolated from mitochondria is claimed to represent a previously unrecognized carrier in the electron transfer chain. It is given the name coenzyme Z. Which line of evidence do you feel is the least conclusive in assigning this compound a position in the electron transfer chain?

a. removal of coenzyme Z from the mitochondria results in a decreased rate of oxygen consumption

b. when added to a mitochondrial suspension, coenzyme Z is taken up very rapidly and specifically by the mitochondria

c. the rate of oxidation and reduction of mitochondrion-bound coenzyme Z is of the same order of magnitude as the overall rate of electron transfer in mitochondria as measured by oxygen consumption

d. the reduction potential of Z is between that of two compounds known to participate in the electron transport chain

Explanation / Answer

b. when added to a mitochondrial suspension, coenzyme Z is taken up very rapidly and specifically by the mitochondria