Question

Cytochrome c may associate with cardiolipin (diphosphatidylglycerol) in the inner mitochondrial membrane. What sort of intermolecular forces are likely to be involved in this association?

Short answer

As a result, around 4 ATPs can be produced.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of intermolecular force

The electromagnetic forces of attraction and repulsion that act between atoms and other types of nearby particles, such as atoms or ions, are examples of intermolecular interactions (or secondary forces).

 Determine the intermolecular forces are likely to be involved in this association

The difference between the electrode potentials of the donor and the acceptor is known as effective or net electrode potential. In the equation, this is written as:

$∆E^{dt}=E^d$(acceptor)$-E^{-d}$(donor)

The nitrate receives electrons released by NADH oxidation in the nitrogen metabolism (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide- hydrogenated). The following formula is used to compute the net potential:

$\begin{array}{rcl}∆E^d& =& E^{\cancel{c}}\left(nitrate\right)-E^{\cancel{c}}\left(NADH\right)\\ & =& \left(0.42V\right)-\left(-0.315V\right)\\ & =& 0.735V\end{array}$

  Determine the Gibb’s free energy

Gibb's free energy equation can be used to compute the free energy:

$\begin{array}{rcl}∆G& =& -nF∆E^{\alpha }\\ & =& -2(96,500J\times V^{-1}\times mo{l}^{-4})(0.735V)\\ & =& -142,000J\times mo{l}^{-1}\\ & =& -142K{J}^{-1}\times mo{l}^{-4}\end{array}$

Faraday's constant, F, is assumed to be 96500 units. Two electrons are exchanged during the process. As a result, the free energy is estimated as 142KJ per mole.One Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a type of energy molecule 30.5KJ each mole If nitrogen metabolism is carried out with 100% efficiency, the number of ATPs synthesized is calculated to be:

$$\begin{gathered} \frac{Totalfreeenergy}{Energyfor\sin gleATP}=\frac{142}{30.5} \\ =4.6 \end{gathered}$$

As a result, around 4 ATPs can be produced.