Chapter 6: Metabolism

Heterotrophs

Organisms that consume other organisms to obtain nutrients like sugars, proteins, fats, and DNA.

Metabolism

All life-sustaining processes that occur within a cell, including energy production.

Anabolism

The set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units, requiring energy.

Catabolism

The set of metabolic pathways that break down molecules to harvest energy.

Aerobic Respiration

A process in which organisms use oxygen to convert organic molecules, primarily glucose, into energy.

Glycolysis

The first step in cellular respiration that involves the oxidation of glucose to pyruvate.

Aerobes

Organisms that utilize oxygen for respiration beyond glycolysis, relying on aerobic processes.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by aerobes to oxidize pyruvate to CO2 and store energy.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of compounds that transfer electrons and generate ATP from high-energy electrons.

Anaerobes

Organisms that live without oxygen and may die if exposed to it, using alternative pathways for energy.

Anaerobic Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts pyruvate into lactic acid or ethanol without oxygen, producing less ATP.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy currency of cells.

NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

An electron carrier that stores energy by being reduced during the oxidation of organic molecules.