TRICKY ONES

REDOX

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons between two species.

Oxidation

The process of losing electrons.

Reduction

The process of gaining electrons.

Final electron acceptor

The molecule that receives electrons at the end of the electron transport chain, in this case, oxygen (O₂).

Oxygen in respiration

Oxygen is reduced during cellular respiration.

Gradient

A difference in concentration across a membrane, which represents stored (potential) energy.

ATP hydrolysis

The process that releases energy by breaking down ATP into ADP and inorganic phosphate.

ATP synthesis

The process that requires energy to form ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.

DNA directionality

DNA is built in the 5' to 3' direction but is read in the 3' to 5' direction.

Hydrophobic

Describes molecules that do not interact well with water, such as the tails of phospholipids.

Hydrophilic

Describes molecules that interact well with water, such as the heads of phospholipids.

Passive transport

The movement of molecules across a membrane without the use of ATP.

Active transport

The movement of molecules against a concentration gradient requiring ATP.

NADH / FADH₂

Molecules that carry electrons to the electron transport chain.

Metabolic pathways

Series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell that lead to the synthesis or breakdown of molecules.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert CO₂ and sunlight into energy, storing energy.

Respiration

The process of breaking down glucose and releasing energy.

Lipids

A group of biological molecules that are hydrophobic and not polymers.

Unsaturated fatty acids

Fats with one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain, resulting in bends that increase fluidity.