Physiology of Exercise: Oxidative Phosphorylation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to oxidative phosphorylation in exercise physiology.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The energy-producing process that occurs in mitochondria, involving the Krebs Cycle and the Electron Transport Chain.

Krebs Cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons through a membrane within the mitochondria to form ATP.

Mitochondrial Biogenesis

The process by which cells increase the number of mitochondria in response to increased energy demands.

ATP Yield

The total amount of ATP produced from the metabolism of glucose or glycogen during oxidative phosphorylation.

Aerobic exercise

Exercise that requires oxygen for energy production, typically involving lower to moderate intensities.

Anaerobic exercise

Exercise that does not require oxygen for energy production, generally at high intensities.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

A condition in which mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for the cell, linked to metabolic diseases and aging.

NADH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced form); an important electron carrier in the Electron Transport Chain.

FADH2

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (reduced form); another electron carrier that contributes to ATP synthesis in the Electron Transport Chain.

Lactate

A byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis that accumulates when energy is produced without sufficient oxygen.