Cellular Energetics Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to cellular energetics, metabolism, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis, ensuring a comprehensive review for the exam.

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate, the primary energy carrier in cells.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Exergonic Reaction

A chemical reaction that releases energy, resulting in simpler, low-energy products.

Endergonic Reaction

A chemical reaction that requires energy input to build complex, high-energy products.

Catabolic Reactions

Reactions that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing chemical energy.

Anabolic Reactions

Reactions that build complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy.

Allosteric Inhibition

A process where an inhibitor binds to an enzyme, decreasing its activity.

NADH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in its reduced form, which carries high-energy electrons.

FADH2

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in its reduced form, involved in cellular respiration.

Glycolysis

The process that breaks down glucose to produce energy, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy.

Photosystem

A complex of proteins and pigments that capture light energy for photosynthesis.

Chemiosmosis

The process of generating ATP using the proton gradient created by the electron transport chain.

Calvin Cycle

The set of light-independent reactions in photosynthesis where CO2 is converted into glucose.

Fermentation

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