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12.5 - The Respiratory Balance Sheet

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Introduction to Respiration and Energy Yield

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Teacher
Teacher

Today we are discussing the respiratory balance sheet, which summarizes the ATP yield in aerobic respiration. Can anyone explain what respiration is?

Student 1
Student 1

Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert food into energy.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! In plants, respiration involves breaking down glucose. What do you think is the theoretical maximum ATP yield from one glucose molecule in aerobic respiration?

Student 2
Student 2

Is it 36 or 38 ATP?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! It's actually 38 ATP, under ideal conditions. Let's remember this figure for our calculations moving forward.

Key Assumptions for ATP Calculation

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's discuss the key assumptions we make when calculating ATP gains. What do you think these assumptions include?

Student 3
Student 3

Maybe that all processes happen one after the other without delays?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! We also assume that NADH is efficiently transported to the mitochondria and that other substrates aren't interfering. Why do you think these assumptions are important?

Student 4
Student 4

Because they simplify the calculations and help us understand the ideal pathway of respiration.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly, but remember that in reality, these processes are dynamic and often overlap.

Comparison with Fermentation

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's compare aerobic respiration with fermentation. Student_1, can you tell me what fermentation yields in terms of ATP?

Student 1
Student 1

I believe it yields only 2 ATP per glucose.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Fermentation only allows partial glucose breakdown. So how does this compare with aerobic respiration?

Student 2
Student 2

Aerobic respiration produces significantly more ATP—38 compared to just 2 from fermentation.

Teacher
Teacher

That's right! Hence, aerobic respiration is much more efficient.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

The respiratory balance sheet outlines the theoretical net ATP gain from the complete aerobic respiration of glucose.

Standard

This section discusses how to calculate the net gain of ATP during cellular respiration based on certain assumptions, while highlighting the differences between fermentation and aerobic respiration concerning energy yield.

Detailed

In this section, we explore the theoretical calculations behind the net gain of ATP during the complete oxidation of glucose in aerobic respiration. Key assumptions include a sequential functioning of glycolysis, Krebs’ cycle, and the electron transport system (ETS), alongside the transfer of NADH into mitochondria for oxidative phosphorylation. It acknowledges the practical complexities of living systems where substrates are constantly entering and exiting pathways, resulting in inefficiencies compared to theoretical models. Ultimately, the section highlights that aerobic respiration can yield a maximum of 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule and contrasts this with fermentation, which yields significantly less energy.

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Audio Book

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Net Gain of ATP During Glucose Oxidation

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It is possible to make calculations of the net gain of ATP for every glucose molecule oxidised; but in reality this can remain only a theoretical exercise. These calculations can be made only on certain assumptions that:

  • There is a sequential, orderly pathway functioning, with one substrate forming the next and with glycolysis, TCA cycle and ETS pathway following one after another.
  • The NADH synthesised in glycolysis is transferred into the mitochondria and undergoes oxidative phosphorylation.
  • None of the intermediates in the pathway are utilised to synthesise any other compound.
  • Only glucose is being respired – no other alternative substrates are entering in the pathway at any of the intermediary stages.

Detailed Explanation

When scientists calculate the energy yield of respiration, they assume that the pathway of glucose metabolism (glycolysis, TCA cycle, and ETS) happens in a specific, linear order. They also assume that all NADH produced during glycolysis gets used efficiently in the mitochondria for energy production, and that no other compounds interfere in this process. This makes the theoretical maximum yield of ATP appear higher than what is usually observed in real life, where pathways are more complex and dynamic.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this like following a recipe strictly step-by-step without making any adjustments. If an ingredient gets used for another meal while you cook, you can't achieve the same result as per the recipe. Just like in cooking, biological processes are flexible and adapt based on available resources.

Practical Considerations in Calculating ATP Gain

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But this kind of assumptions are not really valid in a living system; all pathways work simultaneously and do not take place one after another; substrates enter the pathways and are withdrawn from it as and when necessary; ATP is utilised as and when needed; enzymatic rates are controlled by multiple means. Yet, it is useful to do this exercise to appreciate the beauty and efficiency of the living system in extraction and storing energy.

Detailed Explanation

In actual biological systems, processes are not as straightforward as in theoretical calculations. For instance, different substrates can enter the respiration pathways, and cells use ATP as needed rather than holding onto it for later use. Additionally, enzymes that help in these biochemical reactions don’t always work at the same rate. Despite these complexities, calculating potential ATP yields still helps us understand how efficiently organisms can convert energy stored in food into usable energy.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a multifunctional kitchen where multiple meals are prepared at once. A chef may not stick totally to one recipe if they can adapt based on what ingredients are available or what sounds good at the moment. Similarly, a cell’s processes adjust based on what it needs at that moment.

Net Gain of ATP in Aerobic Respiration

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Hence, there can be a net gain of 38 ATP molecules during aerobic respiration of one molecule of glucose.

Detailed Explanation

The maximum theoretical yield is approximately 38 ATP molecules for each glucose molecule during aerobic respiration. This occurs through glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and the electron transport chain where ATP is produced through oxidative phosphorylation. It’s important to note that not all conditions yield this maximum due to various cellular influences.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a power plant that produces energy from a single source, like coal. Under ideal conditions, it can produce a certain amount of electricity (like 38 ATP). However, if the plant experiences maintenance issues or efficiency losses, it might end up generating less energy than expected.

Comparison Between Fermentation and Aerobic Respiration

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Now let us compare fermentation and aerobic respiration:

  • Fermentation accounts for only a partial breakdown of glucose whereas in aerobic respiration it is completely degraded to CO and H O.
  • In fermentation there is a net gain of only two molecules of ATP for each molecule of glucose degraded to pyruvic acid whereas many more molecules of ATP are generated under aerobic conditions.
  • NADH is oxidised to NAD+ rather slowly in fermentation, however the reaction is very vigorous in case of aerobic respiration.

Detailed Explanation

Fermentation is a less effective way to obtain energy from glucose compared to aerobic respiration. While aerobic respiration breaks glucose down completely, allowing for significant ATP production (up to 38 molecules), fermentation only allows for a tiny fraction of that ATP (only 2 molecules). The difference in how quickly NADH is processed also highlights the efficiency of aerobic respiration, as it regenerates NAD+ much more effectively compared to fermentation.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a bicycle (aerobic respiration) that can take you anywhere with speed and power, compared to walking (fermentation). Walking will get you there, but it’s much slower and you won’t cover as much distance over the same period of time.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Theoretical ATP Yield: The maximum theoretical ATP yield from one glucose molecule in aerobic respiration can be 38.

  • Key Assumptions: Specific assumptions are made during ATP yield calculations including sequential processes and no alternate substrates.

  • Comparison of Respiration Processes: Fermentation yields only 2 ATP per glucose molecule whereas aerobic respiration yields much more.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • One glucose molecule theoretically yields 38 ATP during aerobic respiration, and only 2 ATP during fermentation.

  • Assumptions like a sequential glycolysis and Krebs cycle help us understand the maximum potential ATP yield.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • When glucose goes through respiration, to ATP it makes a dedication. Thirty-eight, it's a fine creation!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a busy gas station where cars (glucose) are filling up with energy (ATP). The efficient stations provide 38 units, while the fast-food lane only gives 2, showing fermentation vs. respiration.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the double 38 - the great yield from oxygen's fate: 'Aero's Fresh Gain!'

🎯 Super Acronyms

AEROBIC

  • A: Energy Rises from Oxygens' Breakdown In Cells.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

    Definition:

    The primary energy carrier in cells.

  • Term: Oxidative Phosphorylation

    Definition:

    A process in aerobic respiration where ATP is produced due to the transfer of electrons.

  • Term: Fermentation

    Definition:

    An anaerobic process that allows glycolysis to continue by regenerating NAD+.