Cellular Respiration + Fermentation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to aerobic cellular respiration, its processes, and the role of ATP in energy production.

What is ATP and what does it stand for?

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate and is an energy currency for cells.

What are the major stages of aerobic cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?

The major stages are Glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle), and the Electron Transport Chain.

In which part of the cell does glycolysis occur?

Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm.

What is produced during glycolysis?

Glycolysis produces 2 pyruvate, 2 ATP molecules, and 2 NADH.

What happens to pyruvate after glycolysis?

Pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria, where it is converted to acetyl CoA.

What does the Krebs Cycle produce?

The Krebs Cycle produces 2 ATP, 6 NADH, and 2 FADH2.

What is the role of NADH and FADH2 in cellular respiration?

Both NADH and FADH2 transfer electrons during the electron transport chain to produce more ATP.

Where does the electron transport chain take place?

The electron transport chain takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

What is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain?

Oxygen is the final electron acceptor, forming water (H2O).

How many ATP molecules are estimated to be produced per glucose molecule during the complete cellular respiration process?

Estimates range from 30 to 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.

What is fermentation and when does it occur?

Fermentation is a process that generates ATP without oxygen and occurs when oxygen is unavailable.

Why is ATP production critical for cells?

ATP is crucial because it provides energy needed for cellular processes; blocking its production can be deadly.

What is chemiosmosis?

Chemiosmosis is the process by which ATP is produced in the mitochondria by using the energy from the electrochemical gradient of hydrogen ions (protons) across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

How do NADH and FADH₂ contribute to ATP production during chemiosmosis?

NADH and FADH₂ donate electrons to the electron transport chain, which releases energy that pumps protons from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient.

What is the role of the proton gradient in ATP synthesis?

The proton gradient created by chemiosmosis drives protons back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, leading to the phosphorylation of ADP to form ATP.

What is ATP synthase?

ATP synthase is an enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, utilizing the energy of the proton flow back into the mitochondrial matrix.

What is fermentation?

Fermentation is an anaerobic process that converts sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen, producing a small amount of ATP.

What is cellular respiration?

Cellular respiration is an aerobic process that breaks down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, water, and carbon dioxide.

What are the end products of fermentation?

The end products of fermentation can include lactic acid or ethanol, depending on the type of fermentation.

What are the end products of cellular respiration?

The end products of cellular respiration are carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.

How much ATP is produced in fermentation compared to cellular respiration?

Fermentation produces 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, while cellular respiration can produce up to 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.

What is the oxygen requirement for fermentation and cellular respiration?

Fermentation does not require oxygen (anaerobic), whereas cellular respiration requires oxygen (aerobic).