Cellular respiration

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

A molecule that acts as an immediate source of chemical energy for cellular processes.

ATP Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down ATP to release energy by removing the outermost phosphate group.

ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate)

The lower energy form of ATP after the terminal phosphate is released.

Biochemical processes that require ATP

Includes biosynthesis, active transport, and movement of cell components.

Biosynthesis

The anabolic assembly of organic macromolecules that requires ATP hydrolysis.

Active transport

The movement of material against a concentration gradient, requiring ATP.

Coenzymes

Non-protein organic compounds that assist in enzyme reactions by cycling between high energy and low energy forms.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

A coenzyme important in respiration that carries electrons.

Cellular respiration

The process of using glucose to produce ATP, occurring with or without oxygen.

Anaerobic respiration

A form of respiration that does not require oxygen, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Aerobic respiration

A type of respiration that requires oxygen and involves further steps in mitochondria.

Redox reactions

Chemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons, where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.

Oxidation

The process by which a substance loses electrons.

Reduction

The process by which a substance gains electrons.

Electron carriers

Molecules that transfer high energy electrons and protons in redox reactions.

Glycolysis

The first step of cellular respiration where glucose is converted into pyruvate.

Fermentation

Anaerobic process to metabolize glucose without oxygen, yielding low energy.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

The conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid in the absence of oxygen.

Alcoholic Fermentation

The conversion of pyruvate to ethanol and carbon dioxide in anaerobic conditions.

Krebs Cycle

A series of reactions in the mitochondria that processes Acetyl CoA to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2.

Link Reaction

The conversion of pyruvate to Acetyl CoA that occurs in the mitochondria.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane that produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The ATP production process that occurs in the electron transport chain using energy from oxidized hydrogen carriers.

Substrate-level ATP production

Direct synthesis of ATP independent of oxidation of other molecules.

Theoretical maximum ATP yield from glucose

A potential maximum of 38 ATP molecules can be produced from one glucose molecule.

Glycogen

Stored form of glucose that can be mobilized for energy when needed.

Fructose

A sugar that can be easily utilized for respiration as part of the glycolysis pathway.

Beta-oxidation

Process by which fatty acids are converted to Acetyl CoA for aerobic respiration.

Acetone and Ketone Bodies

Products of excess Acetyl CoA during fat metabolism, which can be used as fuel.

Two ATP Net Production

The net result of ATP produced from glycolysis after accounting for initial usage.

Sodium Potassium Pump

An example of active transport that requires ATP to function.

Cristae

The in-folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane where the electron transport chain is located.

Proton Motive Force

The electrochemical gradient created by proton pumps that drives ATP synthesis.

Chemiosmosis

The process of proton diffusion that powers ATP synthase to produce ATP.

Acetyl Coenzyme A (Acetyl CoA)

A key molecule that enters the Krebs cycle and is generated from pyruvate in the mitochondria.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A by-product of cellular respiration, produced during the Krebs cycle.

Energy Yield of Fermentation

Generally low, making it insufficient for some organisms without oxygen.

Metabolism of Pyruvate

Pyruvate can be converted to lactic acid or ethanol in anaerobic respiration.

Anaerobic Fermentation Applications

Used in producing yogurt, biofuels, and in baking.

High Energy Electrons

Electrons derived from NADH and FADH2 which are harnessed during cellular respiration.

Pyruvate

The end product of glycolysis that can be further processed in cellular respiration.

NADH

An energy carrier produced in glycolysis that donates electrons in the electron transport chain.

FADH2

An energy carrier that contributes to ATP production in the electron transport chain.

Energy Production Stages

Include glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

Role of Oxygen in Respiration

Accepts electrons in the electron transport chain, forming water and driving ATP production.

ATP Synthase

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing ATP during oxidative phosphorylation.

Fermentation Pathways

Processes that metabolize glucose anaerobically, yielding different by-products.

Mitochondria

Organelles where aerobic respiration occurs, containing the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain.

Double Membrane Structure

The structural feature of mitochondria that enables compartmentalization of respiration processes.