Oxidative Phosphorylation and Cellular Respiration

A set of flashcards that covers key concepts and terminology related to oxidative phosphorylation and cellular respiration.

Glycolysis

The process by which glucose is broken down into two pyruvate molecules, generating a net of two ATP and two NADH.

Pyruvate Oxidation

The conversion of pyruvate into acetyl CoA and carbon dioxide, generating NADH in the process.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

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

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final stage of cellular respiration where ATP is produced as electrons are transferred through the electron transport chain and used to pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane.

NADH

The reduced form of NAD+, which carries electrons to the electron transport chain, playing a critical role in energy production.

FADH2

The reduced form of FAD, similar to NADH, it donates electrons to the electron transport chain.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, reducing it to water.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, powered by the flow of protons down their concentration gradient.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that allows glycolysis to continue by regenerating NAD+ from NADH, enabling the production of ATP in the absence of oxygen.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

A type of fermentation used in human cells where pyruvate accepts electrons from NADH and is converted to lactate.

Alcohol Fermentation

The conversion of pyruvate to ethanol and carbon dioxide, performed by yeast and some other microorganisms.

Anabolic Pathways

Metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units, requiring energy.

What is glycolysis?

Glycolysis is the process by which glucose is broken down into two pyruvate molecules, generating a net of two ATP and two NADH.

What happens during pyruvate oxidation?

During pyruvate oxidation, pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA and carbon dioxide, generating NADH in the process.

What is the function of the Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)?

The Citric Acid Cycle is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl CoA.

What is produced during oxidative phosphorylation?

During oxidative phosphorylation, ATP is produced as electrons are transferred through the electron transport chain and used to pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane.

What role does NADH play in cellular respiration?

NADH is the reduced form of NAD+, which carries electrons to the electron transport chain, playing a critical role in energy production.

How does FADH2 contribute to cellular respiration?

FADH2 is the reduced form of FAD, similar to NADH; it donates electrons to the electron transport chain.

What is the electron transport chain?

The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, reducing it to water.

What is the function of ATP synthase?

ATP synthase is an enzyme that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, powered by the flow of protons down their concentration gradient.

What is the purpose of fermentation?

Fermentation is an anaerobic process that allows glycolysis to continue by regenerating NAD+ from NADH, enabling the production of ATP in the absence of oxygen.

What occurs during lactic acid fermentation?

In lactic acid fermentation, pyruvate accepts electrons from NADH and is converted to lactate in human cells