Quick 10Q: Oxidative Phosphorylation

Front

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

A metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the electron transport chain to power the synthesis of ATP.

Front

What role does the electron transport chain play in cellular respiration?

Back

It transfers electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Front

What is the primary purpose of ATP synthase in oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

To synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate using the energy from the proton gradient.

Front

What is the significance of the proton gradient in the electron transport chain?

Back

It creates potential energy that is used to produce ATP as protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix.

Front

How many ATP molecules are produced from one molecule of glucose during oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

Approximately 30 to 32 ATP molecules.

Front

What is the function of decoupling oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

To generate heat to regulate body temperature in endotherms.

Front

Where in the mitochondria does oxidative phosphorylation occur?

Back

In the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Front

What is the role of oxygen in oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

Front

What happens to protons during the electron transport chain?

Back

Protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space.

Front

What is the average ATP yield from NADH and FADH2?

Back

1 NADH = 3 ATP; 1 FADH2 = 2 ATP.