Module 7: How Cells Harvest Energy from Food

cellular respiration

The process in which the energy stored in a glucose molecule is released by oxidation. Hydrogen atoms are lost by glucose and gained by oxygen.

Celluar Resperation Equation

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ —> 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + energy (heat or ATP)

oxidation

The loss of an electron during a chemical reaction from one atom to another. Occurs simultaneously with reduction. Is the second stage of the 10 reactions of glycolysis.

reduction

The gain of an electron during a chemical reaction from one atom to another. Occurs simultaneously with oxidation.

oxidation–reduction reaction

A type of paired reaction in living systems in which electrons lost from one atom (oxidation) are gained by another atom (reduction). Termed a redox reaction for short.

glycolysis

The anaerobic breakdown of glucose; this enzyme-catalyzed process yields two molecules of pyruvate with a net of two molecules of ATP.

substrate-level phosphorylation

The generation of ATP by coupling its synthesis to a strongly exergonic (energy-yielding) reaction.

Krebs cycle

Another name for the citric acid cycle; also called the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.

matrix

In mitochondria, the fluid in the interior space surrounded by the cristae that contains the enzymes and other molecules involved in oxidative respiration.

intermembrane space

The outer compartment of a mitochondrion that lies between the two membranes.

electron transport chain

A collective term describing the series of membrane-associated electron carriers embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It puts the electrons harvested from the oxidation of glucose to work driving proton-pumping channels.

fermentation

A catabolic process in which the final electron acceptor is an organic molecule.