All these questions are about cellular respiration.

1. A study of quail, notably permanent residents and primarily ground birds, reveals that their flight muscles (breast) are nearly white–like those of chickens. Similar observations in migratory ducks reveal that the flight muscles are dark colored. THe dark color, it turns out, is due to heavy concentrations of cytochromes and myoglobin (an oxygen-carrying pigment). What can you conclude about the biochemistry of flight in the two avian life forms? Explain in detail.

2. In the 1940’s, some physician prescribed low doses of a drug called dinitrophenol (DNP) to help patients lose weight. This unsafe method of weight lost was abandoned after a few patients died. DNP uncouples the chemiosmotic machinery by making the lipid bilayer of the inner mitochondrial membrane leaky to H+. Explain how this causes weight loss.

3.The enzyme that converts pyruvic acid into acetyl CoA requires vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Like many other vitamins, thiamine cannot be made by the human body, (we must ingest it as part of our diet). Scientists have noticed that an increase (supplementation) of thiamine in the body can exponentially increases ones metabolic rate. Ultimately, this can cause one to be healthier, slimmer, and trimmer. Use your knowledge of cellular respiration to explain why this is the case.

4. A person will breathe deeply and rapidly for some time after a period of very strenuous exercise. The longer and more intense the exercise was, the longer the deep breathing will continue after the exercise stops. Using your knowledge of cellular respiration, explain why this situation occurs. Explain in detail.