Cellular Respiration

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cellular respiration, including its stages, processes, and related vocabulary.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP) and release carbon dioxide and water.

Glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm, where glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate.

Pyruvate Oxidation

The conversion of pyruvate into Acetyl CoA, releasing carbon dioxide and reducing NAD+ to NADH.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of Acetyl CoA.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final stage of cellular respiration where ATP is produced through the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell that powers most cellular work.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons and pump protons to generate ATP.

Chemiosmosis

The movement of ions across a selectively permeable membrane, down their electrochemical gradient, to generate ATP.

Redox Reactions

Reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between two species, crucial for metabolic processes.

Anaerobic Respiration

The process of generating energy without the use of oxygen, yielding less ATP compared to aerobic respiration.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

A type of anaerobic respiration used by muscle cells in low oxygen conditions, resulting in the production of lactic acid.

Alcohol Fermentation

The process by which yeast and some bacteria convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide under anaerobic conditions.

NADH

An electron carrier that stores energy during cellular respiration and transfers it in the electron transport chain.