Energy Pathways in Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to cellular energy pathways, including photosynthesis, respiration, metabolism, and energy transfer processes.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight energy into chemical energy, producing sugars and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.

Respiration

The biochemical process that allows living organisms to convert food and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, making it energetically favorable.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires an input of energy, making it energetically unfavorable.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A high-energy molecule that stores and supplies energy for many biochemical cellular processes.

NADH

A carrier molecule for electrons that stores energy and can be used to generate ATP during cellular respiration.

Catabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Anabolism

The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, generating a net gain of ATP and NADH.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, driving ATP synthesis.

Chemiosmosis

The process by which ATP is produced in mitochondria, using a proton gradient generated by the electron transport chain.

Redox Reactions

Oxidation-reduction reactions where electrons are transferred from one molecule to another.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that allows for the regeneration of NAD+ from NADH, enabling glycolysis to continue.

Energy Coupling

The process of using energy released from exergonic reactions to drive endergonic reactions.

Feedback Regulation

Mechanisms that adjust the rates of metabolic pathways based on the concentration of intermediates and end products.