Biology HL Flashcard Set – Respiration
Focus: Pyruvate and Krebs Cycle (7 cards)
1
Q
What happens to pyruvate before entering the Krebs cycle?
A
Pyruvate is decarboxylated and converted into Acetyl-CoA.
2
Q
How many carbon atoms does Acetyl-CoA have?
A
2 carbon atoms.
3
Q
What molecule combines with Acetyl-CoA to begin the Krebs cycle?
A
Oxaloacetate (4-carbon molecule) → forming citrate (6-carbon molecule).
4
Q
What happens to carbon atoms during the Krebs cycle?
A
Two carbons are lost as CO2 in each cycle.
5
Q
What key molecules are produced during one turn of the Krebs cycle?
A
3 NADH, 1 FADH2, 1 ATP, and 2 CO2.
6
Q
Where does the Krebs cycle occur?
A
In the mitochondrial matrix.
7
Q
Why is the Krebs cycle important?
A
It generates high-energy electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) needed for the electron transport chain.
