ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Biology => Topic started by: kerry.j on March 17, 2013, 10:10:41 am

Title: Question about the electron transport chain and respiration
Post by: kerry.j on March 17, 2013, 10:10:41 am

I was taught that the electron transport chain is the one in aerobic respiration that directly needs oxygen as an electron acceptor to form water at the end, but why is there an input of 6O2 but only an output of 6H2O? Where does the other 6 oxygen atoms go?

Title: Re: Question about the electron transport chain and respiration
Post by: psyxwar on March 17, 2013, 10:36:53 am

CO2 is also an output and accounts for that.

Edit: but the equation itself is just the net equation

Title: Re: Question about the electron transport chain and respiration
Post by: kerry.j on March 17, 2013, 10:44:08 am

Quote from: psyxwar on March 17, 2013, 10:36:53 am

CO2 is also an output and accounts for that.

I thought CO2 is produced from the Krebs cycle? Or is oxygen also an input for the Krebs cycle in forming the CO2?

Title: Re: Question about the electron transport chain and respiration
Post by: psyxwar on March 17, 2013, 10:46:49 am

Quote from: kerry.j on March 17, 2013, 10:44:08 am

I thought CO2 is produced from the Krebs cycle? Or is oxygen also an input for the Krebs cycle in forming the CO2?

Yeah it is and I don't think so. I think the equation is just balanced to account for the CO2 released in the Krebs Cycle.

Title: Re: Question about the electron transport chain and respiration
Post by: kerry.j on March 17, 2013, 10:59:01 am

Quote from: psyxwar on March 17, 2013, 10:46:49 am

Yeah it is and I don't think so. I think the equation is just balanced to account for the CO2 released in the Krebs Cycle.

Ooh okay, I think I get it now, thanks :D