Cellular Respiration and ATP Production

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cellular respiration, ATP production, and the roles of specific molecules and processes in these biological functions.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

An energy currency of cells, composed of three phosphates.

Glycolysis

The first step of cellular respiration occurring in the cytoplasm, converting glucose into pyruvate.

Aerobic Cellular Respiration

The process that requires oxygen to produce ATP, primarily occurring in eukaryotic cells.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

The second step of cellular respiration that takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, producing ATP, NADH, and FADH2.

Electron Transport Chain

The third step of cellular respiration requiring oxygen, where electrons are transferred to produce ATP through a proton gradient.

Pyruvate

The product of glycolysis that is used in the Krebs cycle.

NADH

A coenzyme produced during glycolysis and Krebs Cycle, crucial for transferring electrons.

FADH2

A coenzyme involved in the electron transport chain that helps produce ATP.

Chemiosmosis

The process of using the proton gradient to generate ATP through ATP synthase.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that allows cells to produce ATP when oxygen is not available.

Mitochondria

The organelles in cells where aerobic cellular respiration occurs, vital for ATP production.