Overview of Cellular Respiration and Glycolysis

Flashcards designed to help review key concepts of cellular respiration and glycolysis as described in lecture.

What is the primary fuel used in cellular respiration?

Food is the primary fuel used in cellular respiration, converted into energy with the aid of oxygen.

What are the main products of cellular respiration?

The main products of cellular respiration are carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

What is glycolysis?

The metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a net gain of energy in the form of ATP.

What is the relationship between oxygen availability and the fate of pyruvate?

If oxygen is abundant, pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA; if oxygen is scarce, it is converted into lactate.

What is enthalpy (delta H) related to in thermodynamics?

Enthalpy (delta H) refers to the heat content of a system, with negative delta H indicating an exothermic reaction that releases heat.

What does positive delta S signify?

Positive delta S signifies an increase in entropy, indicating a tendency towards disorder or randomness.

What is the significance of delta G in metabolism?

Delta G indicates the spontaneity of reactions; a negative delta G means energy is released (exergonic), while a positive delta G means energy is absorbed (endergonic).

What is the outcome of glycolysis in terms of energy production?

Glycolysis yields two pyruvate molecules and a net gain of two ATP.

What is the overall progression of glucose metabolism after glycolysis?

The progression is glucose to pyruvate, then to acetyl CoA, followed by entry into the citric acid cycle.

What happens during the investment phase of glycolysis?

During the investment phase, 2 ATP are consumed to phosphorylate glucose and initiate its breakdown.

What is the role of NADH in glycolysis?

NADH is produced during glycolysis and carries electrons to the electron transport chain for ATP production.

What are the two pathways discussed for pyruvate processing under anaerobic conditions?

Under anaerobic conditions, pyruvate is converted to lactate in vertebrates and ethanol in yeast.

What is lactic acid fermentation?

Lactic acid fermentation is the process by which pyruvate is converted into lactate in the absence of oxygen.

Where does glycolysis occur within the cell?

Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol of all cells.

What is meant by the term 'net ATP'?

Net ATP refers to the total amount of ATP produced after accounting for any ATP that is consumed in the process.

Why is excess glucose in the blood problematic?

Excess glucose in the blood can indicate a problem with glucose uptake by cells, leading to conditions like hyperglycemia or diabetes.

What is the importance of acetyl CoA in cellular metabolism?

Acetyl CoA serves as a central biomolecule that all macronutrients converge into for energy production in the citric acid cycle.

What is fermentation in the context of cellular respiration?

Fermentation is the metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, allowing for energy production from glucose via glycolysis.

What happens during the Payout Phase of glycolysis?

The Payout Phase produces 4 ATP from ADP, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP and 2 pyruvate molecules per glucose molecule.

What is the role of Hexokinase in glycolysis?

Hexokinase phosphorylates glucose to form glucose-6-phosphate, initiating its breakdown.

Why is glucose converted to fructose-6-phosphate in glycolysis?

Glucose is converted to fructose-6-phosphate to allow for further phosphorylation and progression of glycolysis.

What is the significance of the 'Energy Breakthrough' steps in glycolysis?

These steps involve the oxidation of intermediates, leading to the formation of NADH, which will be used in the electron transport chain for ATP production.

Why is oxygen crucial for efficient ATP production?

Oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration, allowing for the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain to produce a large amount of ATP for sustained cellular energy needs.