Textbook Question
In oxidative phosphorylation, what is oxidized and what is phosphorylated?
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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 76
Why must the breakdown of molecules for energy in the body occur in several steps, rather than in one step?
Verified step by step guidance1
The breakdown of molecules for energy in the body occurs in several steps to ensure that the energy released is controlled and manageable. If all the energy were released in one step, it could result in a sudden release of heat, which would be inefficient and potentially harmful to the body.
In a multi-step process, the energy is released gradually, allowing the body to capture and store it in usable forms, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This ensures that the energy can be utilized efficiently for cellular processes.
Each step in the breakdown process is catalyzed by specific enzymes, which help regulate the reaction rates and ensure that the reactions occur under physiological conditions.
The multi-step process also allows for intermediate molecules to be formed, which can be used in other metabolic pathways. This increases the versatility and efficiency of the body's metabolism.
Finally, breaking down molecules in several steps allows the body to maintain homeostasis by preventing large fluctuations in energy levels and ensuring that the energy needs of cells are met consistently over time.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Metabolic Pathways
Metabolic pathways are sequences of chemical reactions occurring within a cell, where the product of one reaction serves as the substrate for the next. These pathways allow for the gradual breakdown of molecules, enabling the cell to efficiently extract energy while controlling the release of energy in manageable amounts.
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Energy Transfer and ATP
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy carrier in cells. The stepwise breakdown of molecules, such as glucose, allows for the controlled release of energy, which is captured in the form of ATP. This prevents energy loss and ensures that energy is available for cellular processes when needed.
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Regulation and Control
The breakdown of molecules in multiple steps allows for greater regulation and control of metabolic processes. Enzymes involved in each step can be regulated, ensuring that the cell can respond to changes in energy demand and substrate availability, thus maintaining homeostasis and preventing metabolic imbalances.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Oxidative phosphorylation has three reaction products.
a. What is the energy-carrying product?
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Textbook Question
What supplies the energy to drive oxidative phosphorylation?
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Textbook Question
With what class of enzymes are the coenzymes NAD+ and FAD associated?
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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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