Chapter 5: The Working Cell

Diffusion and Transport Mechanisms

Cells rely on various mechanisms to regulate the movement of substances across membranes, which is essential for cellular function and homeostasis.

• 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 for work, including transport and chemical reactions. Energy exists in two main forms:

• Kinetic energy: Energy of motion.

• Potential energy: Stored energy due to position or structure.

Endergonic vs Exergonic Reactions

Chemical reactions in cells can either require or release energy.

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

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

Equation:

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.

Equation:

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 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:

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

• Stage 2: Pyruvate Oxidation & Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

  • Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix

  • Reactant: Pyruvate

  • Products: Acetyl-CoA, NADH, CO2

  • Citric Acid Cycle: Produces NADH, FADH2, CO2, ATP

• 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.

Important Notes

• Your brain uses 20 percent of the energy your body produces.

• ATP is produced during glycolysis and citric acid cycle.

• Acid cycle by substrate level phosphorylation.

• O2 is the final electron acceptor.

Chapter 7: Photosynthesis

Autotrophs vs Heterotrophs

Organisms are classified based on how they obtain energy.

• 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 and participates in the light reaction.

• 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

• Stage 2: Calvin Cycle

  • Occurs in the stroma

  • Products: Glucose, ATP, NADPH

  • Steps:

    1. Carbon fixation

    2. Reduction of 3GP

    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:

• Hand-drawn diagrams illustrate the structure of mitochondria and the steps of the citric acid cycle, showing the flow of carbon atoms and electron carriers (NADH, FADH2).

• Diagrams also depict the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis in mitochondria.

• Key terms such as "substrate-level phosphorylation" and "chemiosmosis" are referenced in the context of ATP production.