Question

The transfer of electrons from NADH to O2, generates a large amount of energy to ultimately drive the synthesis of ATP. This large amount of energy comes from two components. Describe the two components and rationalize how energy is captured by each component. (2 point)

Answer 1

The transfer of electrons from NADH to O2, generates a large amount of energy to ultimately drive the synthesis of ATP. This large amount of energy comes from the following two components:

1. Electron Transport Chain (ETC) - It is a series of organic molecules and proteins which are found in the inner membrane of mitochondria.

• Energy released in ETC reaction is captured as Proton gradient which powers the production of ATP by membrane protein called ATP Synthase.

2.Chemiosmosis: It involves the pumping of protons through special channels of the mitochondrial membranes from inner to outer compartment and establish proton (H+) gradient and this flow of hydrogen catalyze pairing of phosphate with ADP which results in ATP formation.

Electron Transport Chain Intermembrane space H* * À Cytc H 20000 XXXXX) i 200000 III non IV IMMUNO NADH FADH2 FAD +2H NAD + H+ 2H+ + 1120, H20 Mitochondrial matrix Inner mitochondrial membrane