Cell Respiration and Related Processes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to cell respiration, photosynthesis, transcription, translation, and genetic mutations.

Oxidation

Loss of electrons (e-) leading to an increase in the oxidation state of an atom or molecule.

Reduction

Gain of electrons leading to a decrease in the oxidation state of an atom or molecule.

Anaerobic

Processes that occur without the presence of oxygen (O₂).

Aerobic

Processes that require oxygen (O₂).

Glycolysis

The process that takes place in the cytoplasm where glucose is oxidized to produce pyruvate, NADH, and ATP.

Krebs Cycle

Also known as the TCA cycle, it takes place in the mitochondrial matrix and produces CO₂, NADH, FADH₂, and ATP.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons, leading to ATP production and water formation.

ATP Synthase

Enzyme that produces ATP using the proton gradient created during electron transport.

Anaerobic Fermentation

Process that occurs without oxygen, converting pyruvate into lactic acid or ethanol while recycling NAD+.

Light-Dependent Reactions

Photosynthetic processes that occur in the thylakoid membranes, producing ATP and NADPH and releasing oxygen.

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

Processes that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts to produce glucose from CO₂, utilizing ATP and NADPH.

C3 Plants

Plants that use rubisco for carbon fixation in cooler, wetter environments.

C4 Plants

Plants that use PEP carboxylase for carbon fixation in hot, dry environments.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template using RNA polymerase.

Translation

The process in which ribosomes synthesize proteins from mRNA.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Mutation

Any change in the DNA sequence, which can include substitution, deletion, or addition of bases.

Lac Operon

A regulatory system in E. coli that controls the breakdown of lactose.