Chapter 5: The Working Cell

Diffusion and Transport Mechanisms

The movement of molecules across cell membranes is essential for cellular function. Cells use various mechanisms to regulate the transport of substances.

• Diffusion: The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

• Active vs Passive Transport:

  • Passive transport: Does not require energy; includes diffusion and osmosis.

  • Active transport: Requires energy (usually ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient.

• Osmosis: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

• Membrane Proteins: Proteins embedded in the cell membrane assist in transporting molecules that cannot diffuse freely.

Tonicity and Cell Behavior in Solutions

Tonicity describes how the concentration of solutes in a solution affects the movement of water into or out of cells.

• Hypotonic: Solution has a lower solute concentration than the cell; water enters the cell, which may cause it to swell.

• Isotonic: Solution has the same solute concentration as the cell; no net movement of water.

• Hypertonic: Solution has a higher solute concentration than the cell; water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink.

Facilitated Diffusion and Aquaporins

Some molecules require assistance to cross the membrane.

• Facilitated diffusion: Transport proteins help move substances across the membrane without energy input.

• Aquaporins: Specialized channel proteins that facilitate rapid water movement.

Types of Active Transport

Active transport mechanisms move substances against their concentration gradients.

• Exocytosis: The process by which cells expel materials in vesicles to the outside.

• Endocytosis: The process by which cells engulf external substances into vesicles.

Kinetic and Potential Energy in Cells

Cells use energy to perform work, including transport and chemical reactions.

• Kinetic energy: Energy of motion.

• Potential energy: Stored energy, such as in chemical bonds.

• Endergonic vs Exergonic Reactions:

  • Endergonic: Require energy input (e.g., photosynthesis).

  • Exergonic: Release energy (e.g., cellular respiration).

ATP Structure and Function

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells.

• Structure: Composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.

• ATP Hydrolysis: releases energy for cellular work.

Enzymes and Their Regulation

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.

• Active Site: The region of the enzyme where substrates bind and reactions occur.

• Substrate: The molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

• Competitive vs Noncompetitive Inhibition:

  • Competitive inhibition: Inhibitor binds to the active site, blocking substrate.

  • Noncompetitive inhibition: Inhibitor binds elsewhere, changing enzyme shape.

• Feedback Inhibition: End product of a pathway inhibits an earlier step.

Chapter 6: Cellular Respiration

Redox Reactions in Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration involves a series of redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions to extract energy from glucose.

• Redox reactions: Transfer of electrons between molecules. LEO the lion says GER: Lose Electrons = Oxidation; Gain Electrons = Reduction.

Mitochondrion Structure and Function

The mitochondrion is the site of most cellular respiration steps.

• Structure: Double membrane organelle with inner folds called cristae.

Chemical Equation for Cellular Respiration

The overall process converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

• Equation:

• Oxidized molecule: Glucose

• Reduced molecule: Oxygen

Stages of Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration occurs in three main stages, each with specific reactants, products, and locations.

• Stage 1: Glycolysis

  • Occurs in the cytoplasm

  • Reactant: Glucose

  • Products: Pyruvate, ATP, NADH

• Pyruvate Oxidation

  • Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix

  • Reactant: Pyruvate

  • Product: Acetyl-CoA, NADH, CO2

  • Many pyruvate molecules are processed per glucose

• Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

  • Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix

  • Reactant: Acetyl-CoA

  • Products: NADH, FADH2, CO2, ATP

  • Multiple NADH and FADH2 molecules produced per cycle

• Stage 3: Oxidative Phosphorylation (ETC and Chemiosmosis)

  • Occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane

  • Electron transport chain (ETC) uses electrons from NADH and FADH2

  • Final electron acceptor: Oxygen

  • ATP is produced via ATP synthase

ATP Yield and Oxygen's Role

ATP is produced at each step, with the majority generated during oxidative phosphorylation. Oxygen is essential as the final electron acceptor; absence of oxygen halts the ETC.

Chapter 7: Photosynthesis

Chloroplast Structure and Function

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplast, an organelle found in plant cells.

• Structure: Contains thylakoids, stroma, and grana/granum.

Chemical Equation for Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis converts light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.

• Equation:

• Oxidized molecule: Water

• Reduced molecule: Carbon dioxide

Types of Organisms

• Autotrophs: Organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants).

• Heterotrophs: Organisms that consume other organisms for energy.

Pigments in Photosynthesis

Pigments absorb light energy for photosynthesis.

• Chlorophyll a: Main pigment involved in photosynthesis.

• Chlorophyll b: Accessory pigment.

• Carotenoids: Accessory pigments that absorb different wavelengths.

Stages of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis consists of two main stages: the light reactions and the Calvin cycle.

• Stage 1: Light Reaction (ETC and ATP Synthesis)

  • Occurs in the thylakoid membrane

  • Reactants: Water, light energy

  • Products: ATP, NADPH, O2

  • Electrons move through the light reaction via electron transport chains

  • Electrons from water feed into photosystem II and then photosystem I

• Stage 2: Calvin Cycle

  • Occurs in the stroma

  • Reactants: CO2, ATP, NADPH

  • Products: Glucose, ADP, NADP+

  • Steps:

    1. Carbon fixation

    2. Reduction

    3. Release of G3P

    4. Regeneration of RuBP

Comparison Table: Cellular Respiration vs Photosynthesis

Below is a summary table comparing the two processes:

Additional info:

• Diagrams of the processes are recommended for further study.

• Students should review the specific study guides and diagrams provided in class for more detailed visual understanding.