Chapter 13, Problem 15Q

A.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The molecules produced containing the majority of the ¹⁴C atom that was added to support oxidative phosphorylation.

Introduction: Isotopes are different forms of an element that have the same number of protons but have different numbers of neutrons and therefore they vary from each other in atomic mass. Some isotopes called as radioactive isotopes show tendency of decay or loss of subatomic particles and energy from their nuclei. The ¹⁴C is the abundant carbon isotope of atmosphere found mostly in the oceans. ¹⁴C reacts rapidly with the carbon monoxide that further formulates to the radioactive carbon dioxide and can be easily dissolve in ocean water.

B.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The position of radioactive ¹⁴C present in the keto group of oxaloacetate after one turn of the citric acid cycle.

Introduction: Citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle takes place in all aerobic organisms and is a series of chemical reactions in which NADH and FADH₂ are generated. These by-products can be used in the process of oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP.