Cellular Respiration: Pyruvate Oxidation & The Krebs Cycle

These flashcards cover key concepts of cellular respiration, focusing on pyruvate oxidation and the Krebs Cycle, useful for exam preparation.

What is produced when pyruvate is oxidized in the mitochondrion?

Acetyl coenzyme A (Acetyl CoA) and NADH.

What cycle is also known as the citric acid cycle?

The Krebs Cycle.

What role do redox reactions play in cellular respiration?

They release and transfer useful energy from food molecules.

What waste product is generated during pyruvate oxidation?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

What energy-rich molecules are produced by the Krebs Cycle?

FADH2, GTP, and NADH.

Where does the Krebs Cycle occur?

In the mitochondrion matrix.

What is the function of NAD+ in cellular respiration?

To be reduced to NADH, which is used to make ATP.

What happens to CO2 produced as a waste product in the Krebs Cycle?

It diffuses out of the mitochondrion, out of the cell, and is exhaled.

Which vitamin is crucial as a cofactor for pyruvate oxidation enzymes?

Vitamin B cofactors.

How many ATP molecules can 1 NADH molecule generate?

Approximately 2.5 to 3 ATP molecules.

What is the significance of the electron transport chain in ATP synthesis?

It uses energy-rich electrons from NADH and FADH2 to drive ATP synthesis.

Why do cells contain multiple mitochondria?

To increase ATP production capabilities.

How are GTP molecules related to ATP production?

Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase converts 1 GTP to 1 ATP.

What type of reactions are glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the Krebs Cycle?

They are redox reactions that transfer energy from food molecules.