Mader/Biology, 11/e - Chapter Outline: 6.1 Cells and The Flow of Energy
Mader/Biology, 11/e - Chapter Outline: 6.1 Cells and The Flow of Energy
Mader/Biology, 11/e - Chapter Outline: 6.1 Cells and The Flow of Energy
Chapter 6
B. Cellular Respiration
1. The overall equation for cellular respiration is opposite that of photosynthesis:
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 = 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy.
2. When NAD removes hydrogen atoms (H+ + e-) during cellular respiration, the substrate has
lost electrons and is therefore oxidized.
4. At the end of cellular respiration, glucose has been oxidized to carbon dioxide and water and
ATP molecules have been produced.
5. In metabolic pathways, most oxidations involve the coenzyme NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide); the molecule accepts two electrons but only one hydrogen ion:
NAD+ + 2e- + H+ = NADH.
C. Electron Transport Chain
1. Both photosynthesis and respiration use an electron transport chain consisting of membrane-
bound carriers that pass electrons from one carrier to another.
2. High-energy electrons are delivered to the system and low-energy electrons leave the electron
transport chain.
3. The overall effect is a series of redox reactions; every time electrons transfer to a new carrier,
energy is released for the production of ATP.
D. ATP Production
1 ATP synthesis is coupled to the electron transport system.
2. Peter Mitchell received the 1978 Nobel Prize for his chemiosmotic theory of ATP production.
3. In both mitochondria and chloroplasts, carriers of electron transport systems are located
within a membrane.
4. H+ ions (protons) collect on one side of the membrane because they are pumped there by
specific proteins.
5. The electrochemical gradient thus established across the membrane is used to provide
energy for ATP production.
6. Enzymes and their carrier proteins, called ATP synthases, span the membrane; each complex
contains a channel that allows H+ ions to flow down their electrochemical gradient.
7. In photosynthesis, energized electrons lead to the pumping of hydrogen ions across the
thylakoid membrane; as hydrogen ions flow through the ATP synthases, ATP is formed.
8. During cellular respiration, glucose breakdown provides energy for a hydrogen ion gradient
on the inner membrane of the mitochondria that also couples hydrogen ion flow with ATP
formation.