Cellular Respiration Study Guide (Sections 7.1–7.5)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cellular respiration, its stages, and important processes, helping students review for their exam.

Cellular Respiration

The process cells use to break down glucose and release energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The molecule that powers most cellular activities by storing and providing energy.

Redox Reactions

Chemical reactions in which electrons are transferred between molecules.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons during a redox reaction.

Reduction

The gain of electrons during a redox reaction.

NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

An electron carrier that accepts electrons and hydrogen ions to become NADH.

Glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration that splits glucose into two pyruvate molecules to release energy.

Fermentation

A process that occurs when oxygen is not available, allowing glycolysis to continue producing ATP.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

A type of fermentation occurring in muscle cells and some bacteria that produces lactic acid.

Alcohol Fermentation

A type of fermentation occurring in yeast and some microorganisms that produces ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

The process where Acetyl-CoA is broken down completely, releasing carbon atoms as CO₂ and transferring energy to electron carriers.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane where electrons are transported to produce ATP.

Proton Gradient

A difference in proton concentration across a membrane that drives ATP production.

Final Electron Acceptor

Oxygen, which combines with electrons and hydrogen to form water at the end of the electron transport chain.

Total Theoretical Yield of ATP from One Glucose

38 ATP.

Typical Real Yield of ATP from One Glucose

30–32 ATP, due to inefficiencies in the process.

Biosynthesis

The process in which glycolysis and the Krebs cycle create intermediate molecules used to build essential cellular components.