Cellular Respiration Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cellular respiration, including ATP synthesis, glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

What is the main function of ATP hydrolysis in cells?

ATP hydrolysis sustains life by providing energy for cellular processes.

What are the products of ATP hydrolysis?

ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and a phosphate group (P).

How is ATP resynthesized in cells?

ATP is resynthesized from ADP and P through the process of energy recycling.

List three fuels for ATP synthesis used by cells.

Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

What is glycolysis?

Glycolysis is the first phase of cellular respiration where glucose is broken down into pyruvic acid.

What occurs during the Krebs cycle?

Acetic acid is combined with oxaloacetic acid to create citric acid, which is then processed through a series of reactions to produce NADH, FADH2, ATP, and CO2.

What determines whether pyruvic acid undergoes aerobic or anaerobic respiration?

The presence or absence of oxygen (O2) in the cell.

What are the products of glycolysis?

2 molecules of ATP, 2 molecules of pyruvic acid, and 2 molecules of NADH.

What happens to pyruvic acid in the presence of oxygen?

It is converted into Acetyl Coenzyme A (Acetyl CoA) for aerobic respiration.

During the electron transport chain, what creates the proton (H+) gradient?

The transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH2 through enzyme complexes.

What is the role of ATP synthase in ATP production?

ATP synthase acts as a channel for H+ ions and synthesizes ATP from ADP and phosphate using the energy released from H+ diffusion.

How many ATP are typically produced from one molecule of glucose during cellular respiration?

A total of 38 ATP can be produced from one molecule of glucose.

What occurs when NADH is oxidized in the electron transport chain?

The H is split into an electron and a proton, with the electron passing through enzyme complexes and the proton being pumped into the intermembrane space.

What is the significance of oxidative phosphorylation?

It is the process where ATP is synthesized as H+ ions diffuse back into the mitochondrial matrix, driven by the proton gradient created during the electron transport chain.

What is produced at the end of the electron transport chain?

Water (H2O) is formed when electrons combine with oxygen and H+ ions.