1. Utilizing macerated flight muscle isolated from the fly, Calliphora sp, Wanzemann and Buzz report the production of approximately 20 moles of ATP for every mole of pyruvate completely degraded to CO₂ and H₂0. In the same study the authors also conclusively demonstrate the presence of the Krebs Cycle and an electron transport system similar to the one found in other cells (1969 Acta Artifacta 239:316-332).

A. (6 pts) Suppose a pulse-labeling experiment were performed with the macerated tissue using ¹⁴C- succinate (every carbon labeled). What compounds would you expect to contain the label initially? after 30 minutes? Why?

B. (8 pts) Draw a section of an inner mitochondrial membrane, illustrating the components of the electron transport system and the flow of electrons during the NAD and FAD oxidation.


C. (6 pts) If under standard conditions, the energy stored in pyruvate is converted to ATP with 45% efficiency in rat liver mitochondria, is energy conversion in fly flight muscle mitochondria more or less efficient? Why? How many moles of ATP are produced from the complete oxidation of one more of pyruvate in rat live mitochondria? Show your calculations.


D. (6 pts) Postulate a mechanism to account for the difference in ATP production exhibited by flight muscle mitochondria.


E. (6 pts) Describe one test of your hypothesis and the result you expect to obtain.

Next Problem>>