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

Chemiosmosis

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Chemiosmosis

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2:11 minutes

Problem 16

Textbook Question

ATP synthase enzymes are found in the prokaryotic plasma membrane and in the inner membrane of a mitochondrion. What does this suggest about the evolutionary relationship of this eukaryotic organelle to prokaryotes?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that ATP synthase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell, by facilitating the addition of a phosphate group to ADP.

Recognize that the presence of ATP synthase in both prokaryotic plasma membranes and the inner mitochondrial membrane suggests a functional similarity in energy production processes.

Consider the endosymbiotic theory, which proposes that mitochondria originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by an ancestral eukaryotic cell.

Note that the similarity in ATP synthase location supports the idea that mitochondria are derived from prokaryotic ancestors, as they retained similar mechanisms for ATP production.

Conclude that the evolutionary relationship between mitochondria and prokaryotes is highlighted by the shared presence of ATP synthase, indicating a common ancestry and evolutionary adaptation.

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Key Concepts

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

Endosymbiotic Theory

The endosymbiotic theory posits that eukaryotic cells evolved from a symbiotic relationship between early prokaryotic cells. This theory suggests that mitochondria, which contain their own DNA and replicate independently, originated from free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship.

ATP Synthase Function

ATP synthase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in cellular respiration and photosynthesis by synthesizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. Its presence in both prokaryotic plasma membranes and eukaryotic mitochondria indicates a shared evolutionary origin and highlights the fundamental biochemical processes that are conserved across different life forms.

Phylogenetic Relationships

Phylogenetic relationships refer to the evolutionary connections between different organisms based on genetic, morphological, and biochemical similarities. The presence of ATP synthase in both prokaryotes and mitochondria suggests a close evolutionary link, supporting the idea that mitochondria are derived from prokaryotic ancestors, thus providing insights into the evolutionary history of life on Earth.