Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to glycolysis and energy metabolism, fundamental for understanding cellular respiration.

Anabolic pathways

Reactions which build larger molecules from smaller ones. Use energy.

Catabolic pathways

Reactions which break down larger molecules into smaller ones – these release energy for use in the body.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A nucleotide composed of Adenine, ribose, and three phosphates; considered 'energy currency' of the cell.

ATP hydrolysis

The process where ATP is broken down into ADP and inorganic phosphate, releasing energy.

Charge repulsion

The strong charge repulsion between the negatively charged phosphates in ATP creates strain on covalent bonds, making it energetically favorable to break.

Resonance Stabilization

When phosphates of ATP break into ADP + Pi, negative charges spread their electrons over multiple atoms, reducing energy and increasing stability.

Group Transfer Reactions

Reactions where a functional group is transferred from one molecule (donor) to another molecule (acceptor).

Dehydrogenation

A type of oxidation reaction where a molecule loses hydrogen atoms.

Coenzymes

Small, non-protein organic molecules that help enzymes carry out their functions; usually derived from vitamins.

Obligate Aerobes

Organisms that require oxygen to survive and grow; they rely on aerobic respiration.

Obligate Anaerobes

Microorganisms that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen; they rely on fermentation for energy.

Facultative Anaerobes

Microorganisms that can grow with or without oxygen but prefer aerobic respiration.

Cellular Respiration

A series of metabolic reactions that convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP, using oxygen.

Glycolysis

The first step in cellular respiration which converts glucose into pyruvate.

Equation for Cellular Respiration

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (producing approximately 36-38 ATP).

Glycolysis Energy Investment Phase

The initial phase of glycolysis where ATP is used to convert glucose into fructose-1,6-bisphosphate.

Pyruvate under aerobic conditions

Pyruvate is converted to Acetyl-CoA and enters the Krebs Cycle.

Pyruvate under anaerobic conditions

Pyruvate is converted to lactate in animals (lactic acid fermentation) or ethanol and CO2 in yeast.

Gluconeogenesis

A metabolic pathway that makes glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors like pyruvate.

NADH

NADH is produced during glycolysis and is converted back to NAD+ in the electron transport chain.

Regulation of Glycolysis

Includes allosteric enzyme regulation and hormonal control that enhances or inhibits glycolysis.

Galactosemia

A genetic disorder characterized by the inability to break down galactose, leading to toxic accumulation.