Glycolysis and the Citric Acid Cycle

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from Chapters 1 and 2, focusing on the glycolysis process and the citric acid cycle.

Pyruvate

A three-carbon molecule that is the product of glycolysis and is converted to acetyl CoA for entry into the citric acid cycle.

Acetyl CoA

A two-carbon molecule formed from pyruvate that enters the citric acid cycle.

Citric Acid Cycle

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

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A byproduct of the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA and during the citric acid cycle.

NADH

An electron carrier formed during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle that is used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP.

ATP

A molecule that stores and provides energy for various processes in cells.

Decarboxylation

The removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, releasing carbon dioxide.

FADH2

An electron carrier formed during the citric acid cycle that, along with NADH, is used in the electron transport chain to produce ATP.

Glucose

A six-carbon sugar that is broken down during glycolysis to produce pyruvate.

Mitochondria

The organelle where the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation occur in eukaryotic cells.

Coenzyme A (CoA)

A coenzyme that plays a crucial role in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and the oxidation of pyruvate in the citric acid cycle.