Cellular Respiration and Energy Extraction from Glucose

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cellular respiration, including metabolic pathways, the roles of coenzymes and cofactors, and the overall energy extraction process from glucose.

What are the four main stages of cellular respiration?

Glycolysis, Citric Acid Cycle, Electron Transport Chain, Oxidative Phosphorylation.

What is glycolysis?

The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, producing 2 ATP and 2 NADH.

What role does NADH play in cellular respiration?

NADH is an electron carrier that stores energy for later use.

What are coenzymes and give an example?

Coenzymes are separate molecules that bind to enzymes to aid in catalysis; examples include Coenzyme A, NADH, and FADH2.

Define oxidation in the context of cellular respiration.

Oxidation is the loss of electrons and may involve the addition of oxygen.

What happens to glucose in the overall reaction of aerobic catabolism?

Glucose is converted into 6 CO2, 6 H2O, and energy (38 ATP).

What is the function of ATP synthase?

ATP synthase synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) using the flow of protons.

How does cyanide affect the electron transport chain?

Cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, halting electron transport and ATP production.

What is the significance of the regeneration of NAD+ from NADH?

It is required for the continued breakdown of glucose during glycolysis.

What is the citric acid cycle's role in cellular respiration?

It processes acetyl-CoA to produce NADH, FADH2, CO2, and ATP.

What is produced during oxidative phosphorylation?

ATP is produced from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) through the transfer of electrons to O2.

What are cofactors and why are they important?

Cofactors are often metal ions or small molecules that assist in enzyme activity.