Bio 151 Unit 8: Aerobic Respiration and Fermentation

Flashcards covering key concepts from Unit 8 on aerobic respiration and fermentation in Bio 151.

What is the most common/abundant fuel molecule used for ATP production?

Glucose.

What is glycolysis?

The first step in glucose catabolism.

What is the starting material for glycolysis?

Glucose.

What are the products of glycolysis?

2 molecules of pyruvate and 2 ATP per glucose.

Where does glycolysis take place in the cell?

In the cytoplasm.

What is a redox reaction?

Transfer of electrons from one atom or molecule to another.

Which type of molecule has more energy: reduced or oxidized?

Reduced.

What happens to pyruvate after glycolysis in the presence of oxygen?

It is converted to acetyl-CoA.

What are the three steps of aerobic respiration?

Formation of Acetyl CoA from pyruvate, Krebs cycle, and Electron transport chain.

How many carbons does Acetyl CoA have?

Two.

What is the last step of the Krebs cycle?

Regeneration of oxaloacetate by enzyme malate dehydrogenase.

What is the overall purpose of the Krebs cycle?

To finish breaking down Acetyl CoA into individual CO2 molecules.

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

They act as electron carriers.

What are the waste products of the Krebs cycle?

2 CO2.

Where do the electrons for the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) come from?

From NADH and FADH2.

What does the energy released from the ETC do?

Pumps protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a protein gradient.

What is the name of the enzyme that produces ATP at the end of the ETC?

ATP Synthase.

Why is oxygen essential for aerobic respiration?

It is needed for the process after glycolysis.

How many ATP does respiration produce per molecule of glucose?

32.

How many ATP are produced in fermentation?

2.

When would a cell rely on fermentation instead of respiration?

When oxygen is unavailable.

What is the first step of fermentation?

Glycolysis.

What are the two possible products of fermentation?

Lactate and ethanol.

Why do cells control the enzymes in metabolic pathways?

To prevent wasting resources.