Textbook Question
With what class of enzymes are the coenzymes NAD+ and FAD associated?
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Ch.21 The Generation of Biochemical Energy
McMurry8th EditionFundamentals of GOBISBN: 9780134015187
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 Matter and Measurements27
- Ch.2 Atoms and the Periodic Table20
- Ch.3 Ionic Compounds8
- Ch.4 Molecular Compounds23
- Ch.5 Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions12
- Ch.6 Chemical Reactions: Mole and Mass Relationships28
- Ch.7 Chemical Reactions: Energy, Rate and Equilibrium64
- Ch.8 Gases, Liquids and Solids24
- Ch.9 Solutions52
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases25
- Ch.11 Nuclear Chemistry22
- Ch.12 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes57
- Ch.13 Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds47
- Ch.14 Some Compounds with Oxygen, Sulfur, or a Halogen50
- Ch.15 Aldehydes and Ketones45
- Ch.16 Amines42
- Ch.17 Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives57
- Ch.18 Amino Acids and Proteins82
- Ch.19 Enzymes and Vitamins63
- Ch.20 Carbohydrates44
- Ch.21 The Generation of Biochemical Energy65
- Ch.22 Carbohydrate Metabolism45
- Ch.23 Lipids42
- Ch.24 Lipid Metabolism33
- Ch.25 Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism24
- Ch.26 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis45
Chapter 21, Problem 83
The mitochondrion pumps H+ from the matrix into the intermembrane space. Which region is more acidic, the matrix or the intermembrane space? Why?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of pH and acidity: Acidity is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). A region with a higher concentration of H+ ions is more acidic and has a lower pH value.
Recognize the role of the mitochondrion: The mitochondrion actively pumps H+ ions from the matrix into the intermembrane space during cellular respiration, specifically in the electron transport chain.
Compare the regions: Since H+ ions are being moved from the matrix to the intermembrane space, the intermembrane space will have a higher concentration of H+ ions compared to the matrix.
Conclude which region is more acidic: The intermembrane space is more acidic because it has a higher concentration of H+ ions, resulting in a lower pH compared to the matrix.
Explain the significance: This H+ gradient is crucial for ATP synthesis, as the flow of H+ back into the matrix through ATP synthase drives the production of ATP in the process of oxidative phosphorylation.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Mitochondrial Structure
The mitochondrion consists of two membranes: the outer membrane and the inner membrane, which encloses the mitochondrial matrix. The space between these membranes is known as the intermembrane space. Understanding this structure is crucial for analyzing how protons (H<sup>+</sup>) are transported and how this affects the acidity of different regions.
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Structure of Mitochondria Concept 1
Proton Gradient and pH
A proton gradient is created when protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, leading to a higher concentration of H<sup>+</sup> ions in the intermembrane space. This increase in proton concentration lowers the pH, making the intermembrane space more acidic compared to the matrix, which has a lower concentration of protons.
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Acidity and pH Scale
Acidity is measured using the pH scale, where lower pH values indicate higher acidity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 being acidic. In the context of the mitochondrion, the intermembrane space, having a higher concentration of protons due to the pumping action, will have a lower pH and thus be more acidic than the matrix.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
We talk of burning food in a combustion process, producing CO2 and H2O from food and O2. Explain how O2 is involved in the process although no O2 is directly involved in the citric acid cycle.
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Textbook Question
If you use a flame to burn a pile of glucose completely to give carbon dioxide and water, the overall reaction is identical to the metabolic oxidation of glucose. Explain the differences in the fate of the energy released in each case.
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Textbook Question
The citric acid cycle contains four 4-carbon dicarboxylic acids.
a. Name them.
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Textbook Question
The citric acid cycle contains four 4-carbon dicarboxylic acids.
b. Arrange them in order from least oxidized to most oxidized.
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Textbook Question
After running a mile, you stop and breathe heavily for a short period due to oxygen debt. Why do you need to breathe so heavily? (Hint: Look up “oxygen debt” on the Web. Which metabolic pathway requires oxygen?)
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