Catabolism of a Glucose Molecule

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major steps of glucose catabolism, cellular locations, key intermediates, and fermentation pathways.

Glycolysis

Cytoplasmic pathway that converts one glucose into two pyruvate, yielding a net gain of 2 ATP and 2 NADH.

Cytosol

Fluid inside the cell where glycolysis occurs.

Pyruvate Oxidation

Mitochondrial process converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, releasing CO2 and generating NADH.

Acetyl-CoA

Two-carbon molecule that enters the Krebs cycle after pyruvate oxidation.

Krebs Cycle

Mitochondrial cycle that oxidizes acetyl-CoA to CO2, producing NADH, FADH2, and GTP (or ATP).

NADH

Electron carrier produced in glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the Krebs cycle; donates electrons to the ETC.

FADH2

Electron carrier produced in the Krebs cycle that donates electrons to the ETC.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

Membrane protein complexes in mitochondria that transfer electrons to pump protons and drive ATP synthesis.

Aerobic Respiration

Glucose catabolic pathway requiring oxygen, yielding CO2, H2O, and about 30–32 ATP per glucose.

Ethanol Fermentation

Anaerobic pathway that converts pyruvate to ethanol and CO2, regenerating NAD+.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

Anaerobic pathway that reduces pyruvate to lactate, regenerating NAD+.

CO2

Carbon dioxide produced during pyruvate oxidation and the Krebs cycle.