Cellular Respiration and ATP Production

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cellular respiration, ATP production, and the roles of NADH and FADH2 in the metabolic processes.

What is the total ATP yield from one glucose molecule during aerobic cellular respiration?

Approximately 38 ATP, including 2 from glycolysis, 2 from the Citric Acid Cycle, and around 34 from oxidative phosphorylation.

What is the role of NADH in the electron transport chain (ETC)?

NADH donates electrons to the ETC, which are used to pump protons and create a proton gradient.

How does FADH2 differ from NADH in terms of ATP production?

FADH2 results in a maximum yield of 2 ATP as it enters the ETC at Complex II and pumps fewer protons compared to NADH.

What is produced as a byproduct of the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain?

Water (H₂O) is produced when electrons from NADH and FADH2 combine with oxygen.

What is the function of ATP synthase in oxidative phosphorylation?

ATP synthase uses the energy from the proton gradient to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

How many ATP are produced from one molecule of NADH after entering the electron transport chain?

Each NADH produces approximately 3 ATP.

What does the term 'oxidative phosphorylation' refer to?

The process of producing ATP through the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis, utilizing a proton gradient.

What is the significance of the proton gradient created during the electron transport chain process?

The proton gradient stores potential energy that is used to drive the synthesis of ATP.

What is the main requirement for the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain to function?

Oxygen is required for both the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain to proceed.

What happens to the concentration of protons (H+) during the process of electron transport chain?

Protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a concentration gradient.