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4. 2,4-dinitrophenol is a chemical that is toxic to mitochondria - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 4
4. 2,4-dinitrophenol is a chemical that is toxic to mitochondria. When added to mitochondria this chemical allows electron transport to occur but prevents the phosph... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4. 2,4-dinitrophenol is a chemical that is toxic to mitochondria - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. If mitochondria are poisoned with 2,4-dinitrophenol by what process could a plant cell produce more ATP?
Answer
If mitochondria are poisoned with 2,4-dinitrophenol, a plant cell could produce more ATP through anaerobic respiration. This process allows for the synthesis of ATP without the need for electron transport or the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP, thereby bypassing the effects of the toxic compound.
Step 2
b. Where in the mitochondria does electron transport and ATP production occur?
Answer
Electron transport and ATP production occur in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The electron transport chain is located here, where the transfer of electrons leads to the generation of ATP via chemiosmosis.
Step 3
c. Give one reason why an agricultural company might want to fund research on the effects of this toxin on field crickets.
Answer
An agricultural company might want to fund research on the effects of this toxin on field crickets to develop pest control measures. Understanding how 2,4-dinitrophenol affects cellular respiration could lead to the development of more effective pesticides or insecticides specifically targeting these crickets.
Step 4
d. In terms of energy production, why did the temperature go up in trial 1 and not in the control?
Answer
The temperature in trial 1 increased because the addition of 2,4-dinitrophenol uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, leading to dissipation of energy as heat rather than ATP production. In the control, where no 2,4-dinitrophenol was present, the mitochondria produced ATP efficiently without generating excess heat, resulting in a stable temperature.