Cellular Respiration

Flashcards on Cellular Respiration

Cellular Respiration

The process that takes place at the level of a cell (specifically inside the mitochondria) where food is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP.

Aerobic Respiration

Respiration in the presence of oxygen.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration that occurs when there is a lack of oxygen. It allows for a quick burst of energy, but causes a build-up of lactic acid.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy by taking in organic compounds.

Autotrophs

Organisms that convert carbon dioxide and water into organic materials (e.g., plants and algae).

Cristae

The folds on the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

Intermembrane Space

The space between the inner and outer membranes of the mitochondria.

Glycolysis

The first step of cellular respiration; happens outside the mitochondria. In this step, glucose (a six-carbon molecule) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate (each with three carbons).

Pyruvate

A three-carbon molecule that is the product of glycolysis.

NADH

A molecule produced in glycolysis that carries high-energy electrons.

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex

A complex that converts pyruvate into acetyl CoA.

Krebs Cycle

The second step of cellular respiration, in which acetyl CoA is further broken down, releasing carbon dioxide and producing ATP, NADH, and FADH2.

FADH2

A molecule that carries high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain.

Electron Transport Chain

The third step of cellular respiration; a series of proteins through which electrons are passed, resulting in the pumping of protons and the production of a large amount of ATP.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that allows protons to flow through it, generating ATP.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

A process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where pyruvate is converted to lactate or lactic acid.

Alcoholic Fermentation

A process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where pyruvate is broken down into ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide.