Unit 2C Flashcards
(35 cards)
What is cellular respiration?
A metabolic process that converts glucose into ATP by breaking down organic molecules in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) or without it (anaerobic).
What is ATP?
The main energy currency of the cell, consisting of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.
What is ADP?
A molecule similar to ATP but with two phosphate groups; it can be converted back into ATP with the addition of a phosphate group.
What is glycolysis?
The first step in cellular respiration, occurring in the cytosol, where glucose is split into two molecules of pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.
What is pyruvate conversion?
The transformation of pyruvate into Acetyl-CoA before entering the Kreb’s cycle, releasing CO₂ and generating NADH.
What is the Kreb’s Cycle?
A series of enzyme-driven reactions in the mitochondria that produce NADH, FADH₂, ATP, and CO₂ from Acetyl-CoA.
What is the Electron Transport Chain?
A sequence of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfers electrons to generate a proton gradient for ATP production.
What is aerobic respiration?
The process of producing ATP using oxygen as the final electron acceptor in the ETC.
What is anaerobic respiration?
Energy production without oxygen, relying on alternative electron acceptors or fermentation.
What is alcohol fermentation?
A type of anaerobic respiration where pyruvate is converted into ethanol and CO₂, regenerating NAD+ for glycolysis.
What is lactic acid fermentation?
A process where pyruvate is converted into lactic acid to regenerate NAD+ in the absence of oxygen.
What is lactic acid?
A byproduct of anaerobic respiration in muscles and some microorganisms.
What is a calorie?
A unit of energy measurement; the amount of energy needed to raise 1 gram of water by 1°C.
What is NAD+?
An electron carrier involved in cellular respiration that gets reduced to NADH.
What is NADPH?
A form of NADP+ that carries electrons and is used in anabolic reactions like photosynthesis.
What is the mitochondria structure?
The organelle responsible for ATP production, consisting of an outer membrane, inner membrane, cristae, and matrix.
What is pyruvic acid?
The three-carbon product of glycolysis that enters aerobic or anaerobic pathways.
What is FADH2?
An electron carrier molecule that donates electrons to the ETC.
What are H+ ions?
Positively charged hydrogen ions essential for generating the proton gradient in ATP synthesis.
What is ATP synthase?
An enzyme that uses the H+ gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane to produce ATP.
What is Acetyl-CoA?
A molecule derived from pyruvate that enters the Kreb’s cycle.
What is Coenzyme A?
A coenzyme that helps form Acetyl-CoA from pyruvate.
What is the Citric Acid Cycle?
Another name for the Kreb’s cycle, a central metabolic pathway for energy production.
What is citric acid?
The first compound formed in the Kreb’s cycle when Acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetic acid.
