Human Physiology - Energy Production and Cell Function

Flashcards focused on key terminology and concepts related to energy production, cell physiology, and equilibrium in human physiology.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The cell's main energy currency, which releases energy when converted to ADP and Pi.

ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate)

The product of ATP splitting, used in cellular energy processes.

Substrate-level phosphorylation

A process that transfers a phosphate group from one molecule to ADP to form ATP, occurring in glycolysis and the TCA cycle.

Anaerobic glycolysis

The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate without oxygen, producing a small amount of ATP.

Pyruvate decarboxylation

The conversion of pyruvate into Acetyl-CoA, generating NADH but no ATP.

Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle (TCA Cycle)

Also known as the Krebs cycle, it further breaks down Acetyl-CoA to produce ATP and energy carriers.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of proteins in the mitochondrial membrane that produces ATP using a proton gradient created by electron transfer.

Aerobic conditions

Refers to processes that require oxygen for energy production, resulting in more ATP compared to anaerobic conditions.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Osmotic equilibrium

A state where water moves in and out of a cell at the same rate, resulting in no net movement.

Chemical equilibrium

When the concentration of a substance is equal on both sides of a membrane, with no net change.

Electrical equilibrium

Refers to the balance of electrical charges (ions) across a membrane.