Biological Energy Production and Metabolism

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary terms and concepts related to biological energy production and metabolism.

Glycolysis

The process of breaking down glucose into two three-carbon molecules, which can occur with or without oxygen.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy currency of the cell, produced during cellular respiration.

NADH

An electron carrier that transfers electrons from metabolic processes to the electron transport chain.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfers electrons and pumps protons to create a proton gradient.

Fermentation

Anaerobic process that allows for energy production when oxygen is not available, resulting in products like lactic acid or alcohol.

Acetyl CoA

A two-carbon molecule derived from pyruvic acid that enters the Krebs cycle for further energy extraction.

Krebs Cycle

A series of reactions in the mitochondria that further break down molecules, releasing CO2 and producing electron carriers.

Proton Gradient

A difference in proton concentration across a membrane, used to drive ATP synthesis.

Water

The byproduct formed when electrons from the electron transport chain combine with oxygen and protons.

Coenzyme A (CoA)

A carrier molecule that transports acetic acid into the Krebs cycle.

FADH2

An electron carrier that is lower energy compared to NADH and contributes less to ATP production.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that synthesizes ATP by combining ADP and phosphate when protons move through it.

Net gain of ATP from glycolysis

2 ATPs, resulting from using 2 ATPs to initiate glycolysis and producing 4 ATPs.

Final electron acceptor in cellular respiration

Oxygen, which combines with electrons and protons to form water.

Protons

Positively charged particles that play a key role in creating a proton gradient for ATP synthesis.

Pyruvic Acid

The three-carbon molecule produced from glycolysis that can be further processed in the presence of oxygen.