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Aerobic

Requires oxygen.

Anaerobic

Does not require oxygen.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The main energy currency of the cell.

Cristae

Folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane that increase surface area for reactions (especially the Electron Transport Chain).

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane that use electrons from NADH and FADH₂ to create ATP.

FADH₂

Another electron carrier that donates electrons to the Electron Transport Chain.

Fermentation

Anaerobic process that follows glycolysis when no oxygen is available. Produces lactic acid (in animals) or alcohol (in yeast).

Glucose

6-carbon sugar molecule used as the main fuel for respiration.

Glycolysis

The first step of respiration that breaks glucose (6C) into 2 pyruvate (3C) molecules. Occurs in the cytoplasm.

Inner & Outer Membrane

Outer membrane controls what enters/exits; inner membrane is the site of the ETC and ATP synthesis.

Intermembrane Space

The space between inner and outer membranes; where protons (H⁺) build up during the ETC.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix; breaks down pyruvate into CO₂ and transfers energy to NADH and FADH₂.

Mitochondrial Matrix

The fluid inside the inner membrane; where the Krebs (citric acid) cycle occurs.

NADH/H⁺

Electron carrier that stores energy used to make ATP. Formed during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

Pyruvate

3-carbon molecule produced at the end of glycolysis.