Homework 12.

1
Energy and respiration

This worksheet relates to aerobic respiration and the synthesis of ATP. It will help you to revise the
features of ATP, the stages of aerobic respiration and the role of the coenzyme NAD. Part e requires
you to compare energy yields from the oxidation of a fatty acid with the oxidation of glucose. Part f
requires you to apply your knowledge of the oxidation of a fatty acid to the calculation of a respiratory
quotient.
1 a ATP is sometimes described as ‘the universal energy currency’.
Describe the features of ATP that make it suitable as an energy source in cells. [3]
b In aerobic respiration, ATP is synthesised directly in glycolysis and in the Krebs cycle. This is
referred to as ‘substrate level phosphorylation’.
Find out which reactions of glycolysis involve substrate level phosphorylation. [2]
c State where each of the following stages of aerobic respiration occur in a eukaryotic cell.
i glycolysis [1]
ii the link reaction [1]
iii the Krebs cycle [1]
iv oxidative phosphorylation [1]
d Outline the role of the coenzyme NAD in respiration. [4]
e The complete oxidation of one type of fatty acid molecule yields 129 molecules of ATP.
Compare this yield of ATP with the yield of ATP from the oxidation of a carbohydrate
molecule and suggest an explanation for the difference. [3]
f i Define the term respiratory quotient (RQ). [2]
ii Calculate the respiratory quotient for the complete oxidation of a fatty acid with the
formula CH3(CH2)14COOH. [3]
[Hint: you need to write a balanced equation to show the complete oxidation of
this fatty acid]
[Total: 21]

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology © Cambridge University Press 2014 1