BIOL 1107 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Membrane Protein, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Citric Acid
Document Summary
In cells, endergonic reactions needed for life are paired with exergonic reactions requiring atp. Cellular respiration produces atp from molecules with high potential energy, often glucose. Fermentation pathways allow glycolysis to continue when the lack of an electron acceptor shuts down electron transport chains. Atp (adenosine triphosphate) is the cellular currency for energy, it provides the fuel for most cellular activities. Atp has high potential energy and allows cells to do work. Atp works by phosphorylating (transferring a phosphate group) target molecules. The nature of chemical energy and redox reaction. In cells, electrons are the most important source of chemical potential energy. The amount of potential energy in an electron is based on its position relative to positive and negative charges. Electrons closer to negative charges (from other electrons) and farther from positive charges (in nuclei of nearby atoms), have higher potential energy. In general, a molecule"s potential energy is a function of its electrons configuration and position.
