Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Electron Transport Chain

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Electron Transport Chain

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Problem 4

Textbook Question

In mitochondria, exergonic redox reactionsa. are the source of energy driving prokaryotic ATP synthesis.b. provide the energy that establishes the proton gradient.c. reduce carbon atoms to carbon dioxide.d. are coupled via phosphorylated intermediates to endergonic processes

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the role of mitochondria in cellular respiration, focusing on the electron transport chain.

Understand that exergonic redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons, releasing energy.

Recognize that this released energy is used to pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.

Consider how this proton gradient is crucial for ATP synthesis through chemiosmosis.

Determine which option correctly describes the function of exergonic redox reactions in the context of the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Exergonic Reactions

Exergonic reactions are chemical processes that release energy, often in the form of heat or light. In biological systems, these reactions are crucial for driving cellular processes, including ATP synthesis. The energy released during these reactions can be harnessed to perform work, such as the active transport of molecules across membranes.

Proton Gradient

A proton gradient refers to the difference in proton concentration across a membrane, which creates potential energy. In mitochondria, this gradient is established by the electron transport chain during cellular respiration. The energy stored in this gradient is used by ATP synthase to produce ATP, making it a vital component of energy metabolism.

Coupled Reactions

Coupled reactions involve linking an exergonic reaction with an endergonic reaction, allowing the energy released from the former to drive the latter. This is essential in cellular metabolism, where the energy from ATP hydrolysis (an exergonic process) is used to power various endergonic processes, such as biosynthesis and muscle contraction.