Textbook Question
What atom in the cytochromes undergoes oxidation and reduction in the electron-transport chain? What atoms in coenzyme Q undergo oxidation and reduction in the electron-transport chain?
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 68
What would happen to the citric acid cycle if NADH and FADH2 were not reoxidized?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of NADH and FADH₂ in the citric acid cycle: These molecules are electron carriers that are reduced during the cycle. They transport electrons to the electron transport chain (ETC) where they are reoxidized to NAD⁺ and FAD, allowing the cycle to continue.
Recognize the importance of reoxidation: The reoxidation of NADH to NAD⁺ and FADH₂ to FAD is essential because the citric acid cycle requires NAD⁺ and FAD as reactants for key steps, such as the oxidation of isocitrate and succinate.
Consider the consequences of no reoxidation: If NADH and FADH₂ are not reoxidized, the levels of NAD⁺ and FAD would decrease, eventually halting the citric acid cycle because these cofactors would no longer be available to accept electrons during the cycle's reactions.
Understand the broader impact: Without the citric acid cycle functioning, the cell would be unable to produce sufficient ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, leading to a significant energy deficit.
Conclude the chain reaction: The lack of ATP production would impair cellular processes, potentially leading to cell death if alternative pathways (e.g., fermentation) cannot compensate for the energy shortfall.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Citric Acid Cycle
The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a series of enzymatic reactions that occur in the mitochondria, where acetyl-CoA is oxidized to produce energy. This cycle generates high-energy electron carriers, NADH and FADH₂, which are crucial for the subsequent production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
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Citric Acid Cycle Summary Concept 12
NADH and FADH₂
NADH and FADH₂ are electron carriers produced during the citric acid cycle and other metabolic pathways. They play a vital role in cellular respiration by donating electrons to the electron transport chain, which ultimately leads to the synthesis of ATP. Their reoxidation is essential for maintaining the flow of the cycle and energy production.
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Reoxidation Process
Reoxidation refers to the process by which NADH and FADH₂ are converted back to their oxidized forms, NAD⁺ and FAD, respectively. This process is critical for the continuation of the citric acid cycle and is primarily achieved through the electron transport chain. If reoxidation does not occur, the cycle would halt, leading to a depletion of NAD⁺ and FAD, ultimately disrupting ATP production.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
What do the following abbreviations stand for?
b. CoQ
Textbook Question
What do the following abbreviations stand for?
c. NADH/H+
Textbook Question
What does the term “oxidative phosphorylation” mean? What is substrate-level phosphorylation? Are these processes the same? Explain.
Textbook Question
In oxidative phosphorylation, what is oxidized and what is phosphorylated?
Textbook Question
Oxidative phosphorylation has three reaction products.
a. What is the energy-carrying product?