Harvesting Energy: Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration

These flashcards cover key concepts related to glycolysis and cellular respiration, including definitions, processes, and important molecules.

Glycolysis

The metabolic process of converting glucose into pyruvate, producing energy in the form of ATP.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.

Fermentation

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

Krebs cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in all living organisms.

Pyruvate

The end product of glycolysis, which can enter the Krebs cycle or be converted to lactate or ethanol during fermentation.

NADH

The reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, an electron carrier that stores energy.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons and pump protons to create a proton gradient for ATP synthesis.

Chemiosmosis

The process of ATP production driven by the movement of protons across a membrane.

Acetyl CoA

A substrate for the Krebs cycle that is derived from pyruvate.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

A type of anaerobic respiration that occurs in muscle cells, producing lactic acid.

Oxygen's role in Cellular Respiration

Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration as it acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

Total ATP yield from Glycolysis and Krebs Cycle

The complete metabolism of one glucose molecule produces approximately 36-38 ATP.

Cyanide's effect on Cellular Respiration

Cyanide blocks the electron transport chain by interfering with electron transfer, preventing ATP synthesis.