Cellular Respiration: Pathways and Processes: Section 1: Foundational Concepts & Overview

Cellular Respiration

Food converts to energy through glucose oxidation and ATP for celluar function.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate is the energy currency of the cell, produced during respiration, providing 7.3 kcal/mol.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

Electron transport chain produces ATP via chemiosmosis and oxygen.

Catabolic Pathways

Metabolic routes that release energy by breaking down molecules.

Electron Transfer

Movement of electrons during catabolic pathways, releases energy.

Exergonic Reaction

Glucose catabolism releases energy, −53 kcal/mol change.

Aerobic Respiration

Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in organic breakdown.

Reduction

Gain of electrons by a substance.

Reducing Agent

Substance that donates electrons in a redox reaction.

Oxidizing Agent

Electron-accepting substance in redox reaction.

Potential Energy

Energy stored in chemical bonds of organic molecules.

Heat Dissipation

Energy lost as heat during metabolic processes.

Overall Reaction of Respiration

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy.

DG of Glucose Catabolism

ΔG = −686 kcal per mole of glucose.

Chemical Elements Recycling

Essential elements are reused in ecosystems.

Combustion of Methane

Reaction of methane with oxygen producing water and CO2.

Nonpolar Covalent Bonds

Bonds where electrons are shared equally between atoms.

Polar Covalent Bonds

Bonds with unequal sharing of electrons, creating partial charges.

Electronegativity

Tendency of an atom to attract electrons.

Oxidation of Methane

Methane loses electrons during its reaction with oxygen.

Reduction of Oxygen

Oxygen gains electrons when forming water from methane.

Redox Reaction

Chemical reaction involving transfer of electrons.

Hilltop Electrons

High-energy electrons in organic fuel molecules.

Chemical Energy Release

Energy liberated when electrons move closer to oxygen.

Molecular Stability

Resistance of molecules to react without energy input.

Energy Yield from Glucose

Energy Yield from Glucose: 686 kcal released per mole of glucose burned.

Stepwise Electron Transfer

Gradual oxidation of glucose through multiple reactions.

Proton Release

H+ ions released during the reduction of NAD+.

Mitochondria

Site of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotes

Organisms where respiration occurs in plasma membrane.

Mitochondrion

Organelle where aerobic respiration occurs.

Mitochondrial membrane

Site of ATP synthesis and electron transport.

Energy yield

Total ATP from glucose is 38 ATP.

Kcal/mol

Unit measuring energy released from glucose oxidation.

Anaerobic Respiration

Uses non-oxygen molecules as final electron acceptors.

Fats

Lipids that can be metabolized for ATP production.

Disaccharides

Sugars like sucrose that can be broken down into glucose.

Organic Compounds

Molecules containing carbon, serve as energy sources.