Cellular Respiration and Energy Production

These flashcards cover key concepts, pathways, and definitions related to cellular respiration and energy production from glucose.

Glycolysis

The initial breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, yielding ATP and NADH.

Krebs Cycle

A series of reactions that further breaks down acetyl CoA into carbon dioxide, generating NADH and FADH2.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final stage of aerobic respiration where ATP is produced using the electron transport chain and an H+ electrochemical gradient.

NADH

A coenzyme that carries electrons and hydrogen ions, produced during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

FADH2

Another coenzyme that carries electrons, produced in the Krebs cycle.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that uses the H+ electrochemical gradient to convert ADP and phosphate into ATP.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that converts pyruvate into lactate or ethanol, producing ATP without oxygen.

Acetyl CoA

The molecule formed from pyruvate that enters the Krebs cycle.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons and pump H+ ions, creating a gradient that is used to generate ATP.

Oxygen

The final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, essential for aerobic respiration.