BCHM 3P01 Lecture Notes - Acetyl-Coa, Electrochemical Gradient, Membrane Transport Protein
Document Summary
Where does the cac occur in the cell: in the mitochondria matrix, in the cytosol. Pyruvate needs to cross the imm via a carrier protein that facilitates the cotransport of protons. Where is the etc: on the inner mitochondria membrane. Where are protons more highly concentrated: ims> matrix. Where does pyruvate need to go: the matrix, need the proton gradient in order to bring pyruvate into the mitochondria. Pumping of pyruvate is performed by pyruvate transfer protein (ptp) at cost of proton motive force. Pyruvate accumulates inside the imm, paid for by the rundown of the proton motive force which is established by the etc. Once inside the matrix the cac cycle can begin. First step: modify pyruvate and link part of the carbon skeleton to a carrier known as acetyl- Coenzyme a (aka acetyl coa; sometimes just coa). Debated whether this is the first step or not. More technically a preparatory step, not technically considered a true first step,