QUICK FIX An Epiphany about Chemiosmosis

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Chemiosmosis is not an inspiring word to a poet. Through a long on the varying chemical ingredients of each molecule and its posi- series of administrative confusions and a perceived lack of science tion in relation to the other components of the cell. They are just credit, I was pushed to take another science class my senior year. like humans, constantly bumping and moving, attracted by certain I remembered liking biology in freshman year, and I realized that members, passing through relationships, but all working toward a AP Biology would help my understanding of common goal: the formation of ATP. The cycle environmental science. Three weeks into the works perfectly, and it alarmed me, shaking my school year, I entered the class, woefully behind Chemiosmosis is not an disinterest toward biology. in reading and missing labs and assessments. I Chemiosmosis swelled away from the molec- lived my life from between the pages of Camp- inspiring word to a poet. ular level until it encompassed the entire world. bell’s Biology, 7th edition, and I regretted every The relationships formed at the molecular level moment spent studying metabolic pathways and fueled my world, from the fingers that traced dynein arms. the H+ ions to the ATP that allowed my heart But then I came to chemiosmosis, the last process in cellular to beat. One diagram showed the completeness of biology, crafted as respiration. I traced the diagram in the book, following the H+ ions carefully as any poem. Biology was no longer about memorization, across the inner mitochondrial membrane with one finger, pulling the but about connections and relationships. Chemiosmosis became the electrons through the proteins within the membrane. Following the stained glass window in my cathedral of biology, the stunning piece electron transport chain, H+ travels across the membrane, forming that inspired a deeper understanding. a proton gradient. Chemiosmosis describes the process in which Biology tempts me now, drawing me from my beloved Vergil H+ diffuses back across the membrane through ATP synthase, an lines and essays on Shakespeare, and I crave understanding of cel- enzyme that phosphorylates ADP and creates ATP, the energy “cur- lular respiration, photosynthesis, and evolution. My questioning rency” for the cell. brain found a niche, where some queries are answerable and others I sat there, tracing over and over, talking to the proteins and remain mysteries; biology captivates my intellect, all because of one H+ ions, waiting until the information filtered into my brain. Sud- diagram, one explanation, one cycle of chemiosmosis. denly, my finger stopped and I looked up to where my face was reflected in the dark window. My eyebrows were almost to my hair- line. The cycle was genius; chemiosmosis sang poetry. BAY BYRNESIM ([email protected]) is a senior at The Bishop’s Each protein, electron, and oxygen molecule builds relationships School in La Jolla, CA. She is currently enrolled in AP Biology with Julianne with other molecules. But these alliances constantly change, based Zedalis ([email protected]).

The American Biology Teacher, Vol. 73, No. 5, page 288. ISSN 0002-7685, electronic ISSN 1938–4211. ©2011 by National Association of Biology Teachers. All rights reserved. Request permission to photocopy or reproduce article content at the University of California Press’s Rights and Permissions Web site at www.ucpressjournals.com/reprintinfo.asp. DOI: 10.1525/abt.2011.73.5.9

288 THE AMERICAN BIOLOGY TEACHER VOLUME 73, NO. 5, MAY 2011