ATP Sites & Production for Organism: Analysis

  • Thread starter kellyN
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In summary, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that serves as the primary energy currency of cells and is essential for many biochemical reactions and processes within an organism. The main sites of ATP production in organisms are the mitochondria, and it is produced through the process of cellular respiration. Factors such as oxygen availability and efficiency of cellular respiration can affect ATP production. ATP is used in organisms for various processes such as muscle contraction, active transport, and synthesis of macromolecules. It is constantly being produced and used in a continuous cycle to maintain an organism's energy needs.
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kellyN
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Homework Statement



The human system has the following reduction potential:

NADH reductase -0.3
Q 0.04
Cyt b 0.08
Cyt c 0.22
Cyt c1 0.25
Cyt a/a3 0.29
Oxygen 0.82

Suppose another organism has the following reduction potential:

Oxygen 0.82
Protein A -0.35
Protein B 0.20
Protein C 0.52
Protein D -1.15
Protein E 0.02
Protein F 0.17
Protein G 0.60

Based on the figures, suggest the number of ATP site and the number of ATP produced for that organism.

Homework Equations



-

The Attempt at a Solution



This is not really a homework, but a 'fun' question at the end of my metabolism lecture. Here's my attempt, would like to know if I am on the right track:

1) Calculate the difference in reduction potential for human and find the largest 3 differences (this is because there are 3 ATP site for human).
2) The smallest value will suggest the minimum (or near minimum) difference in reduction potential for ATP to be produced from ADP. Thus, any difference in reduction potential for that organism that is similar or larger to this value would also be considered as an ATP site and will produce ATP (of course, prior to this I'll have to arrange the reduction potential for that organism in order and find their differences :P).



Do tell me if my plan of working on this question is right. Thanks ;)
 
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  • #2


Your approach seems reasonable. Here are a few additional considerations:

1. The difference in reduction potential between each protein in the chain is what drives the production of ATP. So you may want to consider the difference between each protein in the chain, rather than just the largest 3 differences.

2. The number of ATP sites is not necessarily equal to the number of proteins in the chain. For example, in the human system, there are 7 proteins but only 3 ATP sites. So you may need to consider other factors, such as the overall efficiency of the system, to determine the number of ATP sites in the other organism.

3. Keep in mind that the reduction potential for ATP production is not solely determined by the reduction potential of the proteins involved, but also by the concentration of reactants and products in the system. So you may need to consider the overall environment and conditions in which the other organism operates.

Overall, your approach is a good start, but you may need to consider some additional factors and make some assumptions in order to come up with a more accurate answer.
 

What is ATP and why is it important for organisms?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that serves as the primary energy currency of cells. It is essential for many biochemical reactions and processes within an organism, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and cellular respiration.

What are the main sites of ATP production in organisms?

The main sites of ATP production in organisms are the mitochondria, which are membrane-bound organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. These organelles are responsible for the process of cellular respiration, which produces ATP through the breakdown of glucose.

How is ATP produced in organisms?

ATP is produced through the process of cellular respiration, which involves a series of biochemical reactions that break down glucose into smaller molecules, releasing energy that is used to produce ATP. This process occurs in the mitochondria and involves the use of oxygen (aerobic respiration) or can also occur without oxygen (anaerobic respiration).

What factors can affect ATP production in organisms?

There are several factors that can affect ATP production in organisms, including the availability of oxygen, the efficiency of cellular respiration, and the amount of glucose or other energy sources available for the cell. Changes in these factors can lead to a decrease or increase in ATP production, which can affect an organism's overall energy levels and metabolism.

How is ATP used in organisms?

ATP is used in organisms to provide energy for various processes and functions, including muscle contraction, active transport of molecules across cell membranes, and synthesis of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. ATP is constantly being produced and used in a continuous cycle to maintain the energy needs of an organism.

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