Questions:
A. What is the function of the mitochondria? (2 marks)
The function of the mitochondria is to produce ATP through cellular respiration.
B. Briefly describe the function of the mitochondrial membrane potential? (2 marks)
The function of mitochondrial membrane potential is to provide the proton gradient that is
used by ATP synthase to produce ATP.
C. What is the target of metformin and why is it used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus? (4
marks)
The target of metformin is complex 1 of the electron transfer chain. Metformin inhibits
complex 1, which leads to a decrease in NADH oxidation. The decrease in NADH oxidation
decreases the protons pumping across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which leads to a
decrease in oxygen consumption rates, which results in a lower proton gradient. Metformin is
used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus because Metformin promotes insulin secretion and
increases sensitivity to insulin.
D. Why is studying glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation important? (4 marks)
Studying glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation is important because knowing how the
work can help us understand what will happen if both processes stop working and what
effects they will have on the body. Studying glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation is
important because knowing cancer pathology, metabolic and inflammatory diseases, helps
us to identify potential drug targets and develop drugs to treat these diseases.
E. How could you normalise (ensure reproducibility) of the amount of cells added to
each well?
To normalise the amount of cells added to each well, a multichannel pipette can be used.
This will ensure that all the wells are measured accurately.
Reflection:
1. What did you enjoy about this practical?
I can’t provide any feedback on this practical because I could not attend because of Storm
Eunice and the tube strikes
2. What did you not like about the practical?
I can’t provide any feedback on this practical because I could not attend because of Storm
Eunice and the tube strikes
3. What aspects of this practical did you think you did well?
I don’t know what I did well because I could not attend because of Storm Eunice and the
tube strikes
4. What things do you think you need to improve in preparation for the next practical?
I don’t know what I need to improve because I could not attend because of Storm Eunice
and the tube strikes
Graph:
A. What is the function of the mitochondria? (2 marks)
The function of the mitochondria is to produce ATP through cellular respiration.
B. Briefly describe the function of the mitochondrial membrane potential? (2 marks)
The function of mitochondrial membrane potential is to provide the proton gradient that is
used by ATP synthase to produce ATP.
C. What is the target of metformin and why is it used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus? (4
marks)
The target of metformin is complex 1 of the electron transfer chain. Metformin inhibits
complex 1, which leads to a decrease in NADH oxidation. The decrease in NADH oxidation
decreases the protons pumping across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which leads to a
decrease in oxygen consumption rates, which results in a lower proton gradient. Metformin is
used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus because Metformin promotes insulin secretion and
increases sensitivity to insulin.
D. Why is studying glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation important? (4 marks)
Studying glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation is important because knowing how the
work can help us understand what will happen if both processes stop working and what
effects they will have on the body. Studying glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation is
important because knowing cancer pathology, metabolic and inflammatory diseases, helps
us to identify potential drug targets and develop drugs to treat these diseases.
E. How could you normalise (ensure reproducibility) of the amount of cells added to
each well?
To normalise the amount of cells added to each well, a multichannel pipette can be used.
This will ensure that all the wells are measured accurately.
Reflection:
1. What did you enjoy about this practical?
I can’t provide any feedback on this practical because I could not attend because of Storm
Eunice and the tube strikes
2. What did you not like about the practical?
I can’t provide any feedback on this practical because I could not attend because of Storm
Eunice and the tube strikes
3. What aspects of this practical did you think you did well?
I don’t know what I did well because I could not attend because of Storm Eunice and the
tube strikes
4. What things do you think you need to improve in preparation for the next practical?
I don’t know what I need to improve because I could not attend because of Storm Eunice
and the tube strikes
Graph:
