Cellular Metabolism & Energy Production

What is cellular metabolism?

The sum total of chemical reactions in the cell.

What are the two main types of metabolism?

Anabolism (building up molecules) and Catabolism (breaking down molecules).

What is anabolism?

The process of building new molecules, such as macromolecules and polymers, which requires energy.

What is catabolism?

The process of decomposing substances to generate energy.

What is the role of enzymes in metabolism?

Enzymes facilitate reactions by forming enzyme-substrate complexes, leading to the production of products.

What is cellular respiration?

The process that transfers energy from molecules like glucose and makes it available for cellular use.

What are the components of ATP?

ATP is composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.

How is energy released from ATP?

Energy is released when ATP is broken down.

What are the main stages of cellular respiration?

Glycolysis, Citric Acid Cycle, and Electron Transport Chain.

What is the chemical equation for aerobic respiration?

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.

What occurs during glycolysis?

Glucose is split into two pyruvate molecules, producing a net yield of 2 ATP and 2 NADH.

Where does the citric acid cycle occur?

In the mitochondrial matrix.

What are the products of the citric acid cycle?

2 CO2, 1-2 ATP, 3 NADH, and 1 FADH2.

What is the role of NADH and FADH2 in cellular respiration?

They carry high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain.

What happens to electrons during the electron transport chain?

Electrons are transferred to electron carriers, generating ATP and forming water when added to oxygen.

What is chemiosmosis?

The process where excess protons move into the mitochondrial matrix, driving the conversion of ADP to ATP.

What is lactic acid fermentation?

A catabolic process that occurs when oxygen is not available, converting glucose into pyruvate and then into lactic acid.

What are the two types of fermentation?

Alcoholic fermentation (in yeast) and lactic acid fermentation (in skeletal muscle cells).

What is the net yield of ATP from lactic acid fermentation?

Very little ATP is produced.

What causes muscle aches during exercise?

The accumulation of lactic acid in skeletal muscle cells.

What is the significance of NAD+ in fermentation?

NAD+ is regenerated for continued use in glycolysis.