In: Chemistry
Shuttles serve several important roles. Select a single shuttle and describe its specific function, the importance of compartmentalization, and provide a mathematical proof that describes the thermodynamics behind the shuttle (eg., why it works).
1. Molecular shuttle in supramolecular chemistry is a special type of molecular machine capable of shuttling molecules or ions from one location to another location.
Mitocondrial shuttle are system used to transport reducing agents across the inner mitocondrial membrane. NADH cannot cross the membrane, but it can reduce another molecule that can cross the membrane so that its electron can reach the electron transport chain.
2. All reactions occurring in cells take place in certain space called compartment which is separated from each other compartments by means of semipermiable membranes. They help to separate even chemically quite heterogeneous environments and so to optimise the course of chemical reactions.