TEAS macromolecules SE pt.2

1. What are proteins made of?

Proteins = chains of amino acids

Think:

🧱 Amino acids = building blocks
🏠 Protein = the finished building

So when you see:

“What are the building blocks of proteins?”

👉 AMINO ACIDS ✅

---

2. Amino acids have 4 important parts

Every amino acid has:

• Central carbon

• Amine group

• Carboxyl group

• R group

The one you REALLY want to remember:

⭐ R group = makes each amino acid different

Think:

R = “Really makes it different”

The R group changes the properties of the amino acid.

3. How do amino acids connect?

Amino acids connect using a:

🔗 PEPTIDE BOND

Think:

Peptide = protein connection

So:

Amino acid + amino acid → peptide bond → longer chain

Many amino acids connected together → protein

🧠 Memory trick:

Amino → Peptide → Protein

Think of it like:

👤 + 👤 + 👤 → 🔗 → 🥩

Amino acids link together with peptide bonds to make proteins.

4. Why are proteins important?

Proteins have MANY jobs.

⭐ Remember: "ETST"

E = Enzymes
T = Transport
S = Structure
T = Talking/signaling

Let's make each one EASY:

🧪 Enzymes

Proteins can act as enzymes.

Enzymes:

👉 speed up chemical reactions

Think:

🏎 Enzyme = reaction SPEEDER

And enzymes are not used up during the reaction.

🚚 Transport

Some proteins carry things around the body.

Example:

Hemoglobin → carries oxygen in blood

Think:

🚚 Hemoglobin = oxygen delivery truck

🧱 Structure

Some proteins help build and support body structures.

Examples:

Collagen → connective tissues

Keratin → hair, skin, nails

Think:

🧱 Collagen = support
💇 Keratin = hair/skin/nails

---

📡 Signaling

Some proteins help cells communicate with each other.

Think:

📱 Protein = cell communication

🔥 THE TEAS CHEAT SHEET

proteins

Thing	Remember
Protein building blocks	Amino acids
Amino acids connect with	Peptide bonds
R group	Makes amino acids different
Enzymes	Speed up reactions
Hemoglobin	Transports oxygen
Collagen	Structure/support
Keratin	Hair, skin, nails
Proteins	Many different jobs

🧠 SUPER EASY MEMORY TRICK

Remember:

"A Protein Can Do Everything!"

Proteins can:

E = Enzymes 🧪
T = Transport 🚚
S = Structure 🧱
S = Signaling 📡

ETSS = Protein's BIG 4 jobs

⚠ TEAS TRAPS

proteins

❌ Protein = amino acid?

Not exactly.

Amino acids = building blocks

Protein = chain made from amino acids

---

❌ Peptide bond = amino acid?

No.

Peptide bond = the connection between amino acids.

---

❌ Enzymes get used up?

Usually, NO.

Enzymes help speed up reactions without being consumed.

---

🎯 ONE-MINUTE REVIEW

If you only have 60 seconds, memorize this:

🧱 Proteins are made of amino acids.
🔗 Amino acids are connected by peptide bonds.
⭐ R groups make amino acids different.
🧪 Enzymes speed up reactions.
🚚 Hemoglobin transports oxygen.
🧱 Collagen provides structure.
💇 Keratin is found in hair, skin, and nails.
📡 Proteins can help cells communicate.

🔥 BEST TEAS MEMORY LINE:

“Amino acids LINK to make proteins, and proteins do the WORK.”

🥩 PROTEINS

1. What do animals and plants use proteins for?

Think:

Proteins = BUILD + DO

Proteins help organisms build things and make things happen.

🐶 Animals use proteins for:

• 🧱 Building tissues → muscles, skin, etc.

• 📡 Hormones/signaling → help control body processes

• 🧪 Enzymes → speed up chemical reactions

• ⚡ Energy → amino acids can be used for energy if needed

🌱 Plants use proteins for:

• 🧱 Structure

• 🧪 Enzymes

• 📡 Signaling

• 🛡 Defense

• 📦 Nutrient storage

You don't need to memorize every plant example for the TEAS. Just know:

Plants and animals both need proteins for structure and biological processes.

🍗 What happens when you EAT protein?

You eat protein → your digestive system breaks it down into amino acids.

Then your body can use those amino acids to:

1⃣ Build new proteins

or

2⃣ Use them for energy

Think:

🍗 Protein → digestion → amino acids → body uses them

🧠 Memory trick:

“Protein gets CUT into amino acids.”

Like taking a long necklace and breaking it into individual beads:

Protein: 🔗🔗🔗🔗🔗
⬇ digestion
Amino acids: 🔵 🔵 🔵 🔵 🔵

⭐ NOW THE BIG TEAS PART:

Proteins can be divided into:

🧵 1. FIBROUS PROTEINS

FIBROUS vs GLOBULAR

This is the part I would REALLY memorize.

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🧵 1. FIBROUS PROTEINS

Think:

🧵 FIBROUS = FIBER = LONG

Fibrous proteins are:

• Long

• Extended

• Strong

• Usually insoluble in water

• Provide support/strength

Example:

COLLAGEN 🧱

Collagen helps give tissues strength and support.

🧠 Memory trick:

🧵 FIBROUS = FIBER = LONG + STRONG

Think of a rope.

A rope is long and strong → fibrous protein.

⚽ 2. GLOBULAR PROTEINS

⚽ GLOBULAR = GLOBE = ROUND

Globular proteins are:

• Compact

• Spherical/rounded

• Usually soluble in water

• Perform many different jobs

Examples:

🧪 Enzymes

🛡 Antibodies

🧠 Memory trick:

⚽ GLOBULAR = GLOBE = ROUND + WORK

They are shaped more like a little ball and can perform many jobs.

---

🔥 FIBROUS vs GLOBULAR

🧵 Fibrous	⚽ Globular
Long	Round/compact
Strong	Functional
Usually insoluble	Usually soluble
Support/structure	Many biological jobs
Collagen	Enzymes, antibodies

🚨 THE EASIEST WAY TO REMEMBER

🧵 FIBROUS = ROPE

Long → strong → support

COLLAGEN

↓

⚽ GLOBULAR = BALL

Round → soluble → does jobs

ENZYMES + ANTIBODIES

FIBROUS = FIBER = LONG + STRONG 🧵
GLOBULAR = GLOBE = ROUND + WORK ⚽

And remember:

Protein → amino acids after digestion.

“Which protein provides strength and structural support?”

🧵 FIBROUS

“Which protein is compact, spherical, and soluble in water?”

⚽ GLOBULAR

“Which is an example of a fibrous protein?”

👉 Collagen

“Which is an example of a globular protein?”

👉 Enzyme or antibody

1. First: What are nucleic acids?

molecules that hold genetic information.

Think:

Nucleic acids = YOUR BODY'S INSTRUCTIONS

They store and transfer the information your cells need.

The two you need to know are:

DNA + RNA

. What are nucleic acids made of?

Nucleic acids are made of:

⭐ NUCLEOTIDES

Think:

🧱 Nucleotide = building block of nucleic acids

Just like:

Amino acids → proteins

Nucleotides → nucleic acids

🔥 This comparison is VERY useful for the TEAS.

3. What is a nucleotide?

Every nucleotide has 3 parts:

🧩 1. Nitrogenous base🍬 2. Sugar🔋 3. Phosphate group

So remember:

BASE + SUGAR + PHOSPHATE

🧠 Memory trick:

“BSP”

B = Base
S = Sugar
P = Phosphate

Or imagine a little nucleotide sandwich:

🥪 BASE — SUGAR — PHOSPHATE

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4. DNA vs RNA

Both DNA and RNA have nucleotides.

But their sugars are different.

🧬 DNA

DNA uses:

👉 Deoxyribose

🧬 RNA

RNA uses:

👉 Ribose

Look at the names:

DNA = DEOXYribose

Both start with D.

RNA = Ribose

So:

D → Deoxyribose → DNA

R → Ribose → RNA

🔥 Super easy.

5. What does DNA do?

🧬 DNA = stores genetic information

Think:

📖 DNA = instruction book

It contains the information your cells use to know what to do.

---

6. What does RNA do?

helps use/transfer genetic information

One BIG job is helping cells use the information in DNA to make proteins.

Think:

📖 DNA = instructions
📋 RNA = helps carry/use the instructions
🥩 Protein = what gets made

🧬 DNA vs RNA

Think about a recipe 🍪.

📖 DNA = the MASTER RECIPE BOOK

DNA contains the instructions for making things your cells need, including proteins.

DNA says, basically:

"Here are the instructions for making this protein."

DNA is kept protected inside the cell's nucleus.

---

📋 RNA = the COPY/HELPER

RNA helps take and use the instructions from DNA so the cell can make the protein.

Think:

DNA = original recipe 📖
RNA = working copy 📋
Protein = finished product 🍪

🤔 BUT WHAT ARE DNA AND RNA THEMSELVES?

They're molecules.

They're not organs or cells.

Both are made from little building blocks called:

🧩 NUCLEOTIDES

And each nucleotide has:

Base + Sugar + Phosphate

🧠 So what is actually happening?

dna rna

STEP 1⃣ — DNA has the instructions

🧬 DNA

↓

contains instructions for making a protein

---

STEP 2⃣ — The cell needs to use those instructions

The DNA stays protected.

So the cell makes RNA that carries the needed information.

🧬 DNA
⬇
📋 RNA

---

STEP 3⃣ — RNA helps make the protein

RNA takes the information to the machinery that makes proteins.

📋 RNA
⬇
🥩 PROTEIN

---

🔥 THE WHOLE THING

DNA → RNA → Protein

That's the BIG picture I want you to remember.

📖 DNA

Stores the instructions

⬇

📋 RNA

Carries/helps use the instructions

⬇

🥩 Protein

Gets made from those instructions

7. What does "sequence" mean?

A sequence just means:

The ORDER of the nucleotides.

Think of letters:

A B C D

Changing the order changes the message.

Same idea with DNA:

The order of nucleotides creates the genetic code.

🧠 Think:

Sequence = order

That's it.

🎯 TEAS CHEAT SHEET

nucleotides

Question	Answer
What stores genetic information?	🧬 Nucleic acids
Building blocks of nucleic acids?	🧩 Nucleotides
3 parts of a nucleotide?	Base + sugar + phosphate
Sugar in DNA?	Deoxyribose
Sugar in RNA?	Ribose
Two nucleic acids?	DNA + RNA
What does nucleotide sequence determine?	Genetic information/code

🥩 PROTEINS

Building blocks = amino acids

🧬 NUCLEIC ACIDS

Building blocks = nucleotides

Think:

AMINO → PROTEIN
NUCLEOTIDE → NUCLEIC ACID

🧠 THE ULTIMATE MEMORY TRICK

Memorize this:

“DNA stores the directions.” 📖“RNA helps use the directions.” 📋“Nucleotides build nucleic acids.” 🧩

And:

“BSP = Base, Sugar, Phosphate.” 🔥

🧬 DNA AND RNA ARE DIFFERENT

	🧬 DNA	📋 RNA
Main job	Stores information	Helps use/carry information
Sugar	Deoxyribose	Ribose
Usually	Double-stranded	Single-stranded
Think of it as	📖 Master instructions	📋 Working copy/helper

DNA = Directions

Both start with D.

DNA = Directions

RNA = Runner

Think of RNA as the person who runs the information where it's needed.

RNA = Runner

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🚨 ONE IMPORTANT CORRECTION

Don't think:

"DNA makes RNA, and RNA makes protein."

That's a little too simplistic.

Instead, for the TEAS, think:

DNA stores the instructions → RNA helps carry/use those instructions → proteins are made.

⭐ MEMORIZE THIS

Say this out loud:

DNA = the instruction book 📖
RNA = the helper/copy 📋
Protein = the finished product 🥩

And the pathway:🧬 DNA → 📋 RNA → 🥩 PROTEIN

❓ Which molecule stores genetic information?

DNA

❓ What are DNA and RNA made of?

👉 Nucleotides

❓ What are the 3 parts of a nucleotide?

👉 Nitrogenous base + sugar + phosphate

❓ Which molecule helps carry/use genetic instructions to make proteins?

RNA

1. 🧬 DNA =

🧬 DNA → RNA → PROTEIN

THE MASTER INSTRUCTION BOOK

DNA's main job:

STORE genetic information

Think:

📖 DNA = the master recipe book

It contains the instructions your cells need for things like:

• Growth

• Development

• How your body functions

• Making proteins

• Traits

Why is DNA called a "repository"?

Repository = storage place.

So:

DNA = storage for genetic information.

2. 🪜 DNA HAS A DOUBLE HELIX

DNA looks like a twisted ladder:

🪜 → 🌀

That's called a:

DOUBLE HELIX

🧠 Memory trick:

DNA = Double
Both start with D.

DNA = Double helix

Easy. ✅

3. 📋 RNA =

THE HELPER

RNA is usually:

Single-stranded

Think:

DNA 🧬 = 📖 master book

RNA 📋 = copy/helper

DNA has the information.

RNA helps take/use that information to make proteins.

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4. 🚦 HERE'S THE PROCESS

This is the most important part.

🧬 DNA

has the instructions

⬇

📋 RNA

gets a copy of the needed instructions

⬇

🏭 Ribosome

reads the RNA instructions

⬇

🥩 Protein

gets built

So memorize:

DNA → RNA → Protein

Think:

📖 Book → Copy → Product

5. ✍ WHAT IS TRANSCRIPTION?

TRANSCRIPTION = DNA → RNA

The cell takes the information from DNA and makes an RNA copy.

🧬 DNA
⬇ TRANSCRIPTION
📋 RNA

🧠 Memory trick:

TRANSCRIPTION = Transfer the instructions

You're basically copying the information from DNA into RNA.

6. 🏭 WHAT IS TRANSLATION?

Now RNA has the instructions.

The ribosome reads the RNA and uses those instructions to build a protein.

📋 RNA
⬇ TRANSLATION
🥩 Protein

🧠 Memory trick:

Think:

Translation = RNA language → Protein

The ribosome is basically reading/decoding the RNA message to build the protein.

🚨 VERY IMPORTANT TEAS TRICK

Don't mix these two up:

Don't mix these two up:

✍ TRANSCRIPTION

DNA → RNA

🏭 TRANSLATION

RNA → PROTEIN

🔥 Memorize:

TRANScription = DNA gets TRANSferred to RNA

TRANSLation = RNA gets TRANSLated into a protein

7. 🧬 WHAT ARE GENES?

You might see the word gene a lot.

A gene is basically:

A section of DNA containing instructions for a specific product, often a protein.

Think:

📖 DNA = entire cookbook

📄 Gene = one specific recipe

So:

DNA contains genes.

And genes contain instructions.

8. 🧩 WHAT ARE BASES?

DNA and RNA have little chemical "letters" called:

NITROGENOUS BASES

DNA has:

A = Adenine
T = Thymine
C = Cytosine
G = Guanine

RNA has:

A = Adenine
U = Uracil
C = Cytosine
G = Guanine

🚨 BIG DIFFERENCE

DNA uses:

T = Thymine

RNA uses:

U = Uracil

🧠 SUPER EASY TRICK:“DNA has T, RNA has U.”

9. 🔗 BASE PAIRING

The bases have specific partners.

DNA:

A ↔ T

C ↔ G

RNA:

A ↔ U

C ↔ G

🧠 Memory trick:A always likes T in DNAA always likes U in RNA

And:

C always likes G

You can remember:

AT and CG

10. 🧬 WHY DOES THE BASE ORDER MATTER?

The order of the bases contains information.

Think of letters in a sentence:

CAT

Changing the order:

ACT

changes the message.

DNA works similarly.

The sequence/order of bases carries genetic information.

So:

🧬 DNA

⬇
has a specific base sequence
⬇
that contains genetic instructions
⬇
that can be used to make proteins

---

11. 🚚 WHERE DOES RNA GO?

The paragraph says:

RNA carries genetic instructions from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Super simple:

🧬 DNA stays in the nucleus

↓

📋 RNA carries the message

↓

🏭 Ribosome in the cytoplasm reads it

↓

🥩 Protein is made

Think:

DNA stays home. RNA travels.

🔥 DNA = stays
🔥 RNA = runs

---

⭐ THE ENTIRE PROCESS

Here is the picture I want in your head:

📖 STEP 1 — DNA

DNA stores the instructions.

↓

✍ STEP 2 — TRANSCRIPTION

The information is copied into RNA.

↓

🚚 STEP 3 — RNA

RNA carries the instructions out to the ribosome.

↓

🏭 STEP 4 — RIBOSOME

The ribosome reads the RNA.

↓

🏗 STEP 5 — TRANSLATION

The information is translated into a protein.

🧠 THE ULTIMATE TEAS CHEAT SHEET

DNA RNA

Concept	SUPER EASY meaning
DNA	Stores genetic instructions 📖
RNA	Helps carry/use instructions 📋
Gene	Section of DNA with instructions
Double helix	Shape of DNA 🪜
Single-stranded	Typical shape of RNA
Transcription	DNA → RNA ✍
Translation	RNA → Protein 🏭
Ribosome	Builds proteins
DNA bases	A, T, C, G
RNA bases	A, U, C, G
DNA pairing	A-T, C-G
RNA pairing	A-U, C-G

🔥 MEMORIZE THESE 5 THINGS

If you're trying to ace the TEAS, memorize these first:

1⃣ DNA = stores information

📖2⃣ RNA = helps use/carry information

📋3⃣ Transcription = DNA → RNA ✍

4⃣ Translation = RNA → Protein 🏭

5⃣ DNA has T, RNA has U 🧬

⭐ And the BIGGEST memory line:DNA → RNA → PROTEIN

Store → Copy → Build

🧬 THE 4 BIOMOLECULES

Think:

🥩 PROTEIN = BUILD/DO
🍞 CARBOHYDRATE = QUICK ENERGY
🥑 LIPID = LONG-TERM ENERGY
🧬 NUCLEIC ACID = INFORMATION

That's your BIG 4.

Biomolecule	Building block	Main thing to remember
🥩 Protein	Amino acids	Build + do jobs
🍞 Carbohydrate	Monosaccharides	Quick energy
🥑 Lipid	Glycerol + fatty acids	Long-term energy
🧬 Nucleic acid	Nucleotides	Genetic information

🥩 1. PROTEINS =

BUILD + DO

Building block:

Amino acids

Think:

🧱 Amino acids = little building blocks → protein

What do proteins do?

They have LOTS of jobs:

• Build/support body structures

• Enzymes → speed up reactions

• Transport things

• Help with signaling

Example:

🧪 Enzymes

🧠 MEMORY:

PROTEIN = PEOPLE'S BODY WORKERS

They build things and do jobs.

🍞 2. CARBOHYDRATES =

QUICK ENERGY

Building block:

Monosaccharides

Think:

🍬 Monosaccharide = one simple sugar

A common one:

Glucose

Your cells can use glucose for energy.

Examples:

• Glucose

• Starch

• Cellulose

• Disaccharides

🧠 MEMORY:CARBS = CAR = GO! 🚗💨

Car needs fuel to GO.

So:

Carbohydrates → quick/short-term energy

🥑 3. LIPIDS =

LONG-TERM ENERGY

Building blocks:

Glycerol + fatty acids

Lipids include:

• Fats

• Oils

• Steroids

• Some hormones

Main idea:

🥑 Lipids = long-term energy storage

Your body can store energy in fat for later.

🧠 MEMORY:LIPIDS = LONG

Both start with L.

Lipid = Long-term energy

🧬 4. NUCLEIC ACIDS =

INFORMATION

Building blocks:

Nucleotides

Examples:

🧬 DNA

📋 RNA

Main job:

Store and transfer genetic information.

They also help with protein synthesis.

🧠 MEMORY:

NUCLEIC = NUCLEUS = DNA/RNA = INFORMATION

Think:

📖 DNA = instruction book

📋 RNA = helper/copy

🚨 SUPER IMPORTANT TEAS CONNECTION

You need to know these pairs:

big 4

🥩 Protein

Amino acid → Protein

🍞 Carbohydrate

Monosaccharide → Carbohydrate

🥑 Lipid

Glycerol + fatty acids → Lipid

🧬 Nucleic acid

Nucleotide → Nucleic acid

---

🧠 THE BEST MEMORY TRICK

Remember:

“A M G N”

A → Amino acids → 🥩 Protein

M → Monosaccharides → 🍞 Carbohydrate

G → Glycerol + fatty acids → 🥑 Lipid

N → Nucleotides → 🧬 Nucleic acid

Or memorize this sentence:

“All My Girls Need...” 😂

Amino
Monosaccharide
Glycerol
Nucleotide

Then match them to the biomolecule.

⚡ 10-SECOND TEAS REVIEW

If you see this:

Amino acid

👉 🥩 PROTEIN

Monosaccharide

👉 🍞 CARBOHYDRATE

Glycerol + fatty acids

👉 🥑 LIPID

Nucleotide

👉 🧬 NUCLEIC ACID

🏆 THE ULTIMATE CHEAT CODE

🥩 PROTEIN

Amino acids → BUILD/DO

🍞 CARB

Monosaccharides → QUICK ENERGY

🥑 LIPID

Glycerol + fatty acids → LONG-TERM ENERGY

🧬 NUCLEIC ACID

Nucleotides → GENETIC INFORMATION

🔥 Say this 3 times:

Protein builds.
Carbs go.
Lipids store.
Nucleic acids inform.

1. What is metabolism?

ALL the chemical reactions happening in your body.

Your body is constantly:

• Building things 🧱

• Breaking things down 💥

• Making energy ⚡

• Using energy

All of those chemical reactions together = metabolism.

🧠 EASY MEMORY:

METABOLISM = what your body DOES with molecules.

Think of your body like a busy factory 🏭.

2. What is a metabolic pathway?

This sounds complicated, but it's really simple.

Metabolic pathway = a series of chemical reactions.

Think:

Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 3 → Step 4

Each reaction leads to the next one.

🧠 Memory:

PATHWAY = a series of steps

So:

Metabolic pathway = series of chemical steps in the body.

🔥 3. THE TWO TYPES

metabolism

There are TWO major types you need to know:

🧱 ANABOLIC

BUILD

Anabolic pathways build larger molecules from smaller molecules.

And building requires:

⚡ ENERGY

Think:

🧱 ANABOLIC = ASSEMBLE

Both start with A.

Anabolic = Assemble/build.

---

💥 CATABOLIC

BREAK DOWN

Catabolic pathways break large molecules into smaller molecules.

And when they break molecules down:

⚡ ENERGY IS RELEASED

Think:

💥 CATABOLIC = CUT

Catabolic = Cut/break down.

🧠 THE #1 MEMORY TRICKANA = ADD

🧱 Add pieces together → BUILD

CATA = CUT

💥 Cut things apart → BREAK DOWN

So:

ANABOLIC = BUILD + USES ENERGYCATABOLIC = BREAK + RELEASES ENERGY

🔥 Know this REALLY well for the TEAS.

4. WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

metabolism

Build things 🧱

AND

Break things down 💥

That's how your body gets what it needs to survive.

For example:

🍞 Food molecules

⬇ broken down

⚡ energy becomes available

Your body can then use that energy to do things like:

• Move

• Grow

• Repair

• Maintain cells

• Keep organs working

---

🧬 5. CELLULAR RESPIRATION

process cells use to get usable energy from food, especially glucose.

Think:

🍞 Glucose → cellular respiration → ATP energy

ATP = usable energy for cells ⚡

For the TEAS, remember:

Cellular respiration helps cells make ATP.

---

🔥 CELLULAR RESPIRATION HAS

3 MAIN STAGES

Your notes give you:

1⃣ Glycolysis 2⃣ Krebs Cycle

Also called the Citric Acid Cycle

3⃣ Electron Transport Chain

You don't need to panic about the names.

Just memorize the ORDER.

🧠 MEMORY TRICK:“Grandma Kicked Every...”

G = Glycolysis
K = Krebs Cycle
E = Electron Transport Chain

G → K → E

Or:

Glycolysis → Krebs → Electron Transport

6. WHAT DOES GLYCOLYSIS DO?

Break the word apart:

GLYCO = sugar LYSIS = break apart

So:

GLYCOLYSIS = BREAKS DOWN GLUCOSE

🔥 That's the main thing to remember.

Think:

🍬 Glucose

⬇

💥 Glycolysis

⬇

Smaller molecules

7. KREBS CYCLE

Also called:

Citric Acid Cycle

You may see either name on the TEAS.

The Krebs cycle is another stage of cellular respiration that helps extract energy from the products of glucose breakdown.

For now, remember:

Krebs = middle stage of cellular respiration

8. ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN

This is the final major stage.

Its major job is:

⚡ Producing lots of ATP

Think:

ETC = BIG ATP maker

🧠 THE WHOLE STORY

Imagine you eat an apple 🍎.

metabolism

The apple contains glucose.

🍎 GLUCOSE

⬇

1⃣ GLYCOLYSIS

Breaks glucose down

⬇

2⃣ KREBS CYCLE

Continues extracting energy

⬇

3⃣ ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN

Makes lots of ATP

⬇

⚡ ATP

Usable energy for the cell

---

🚨 ONE THING TO FIX IN YOUR NOTES

Your notes say:

"These metabolic pathways either release or add energy during a reaction."

For your TEAS studying, think more specifically:

🧱 ANABOLIC

Builds molecules → requires energy

💥 CATABOLIC

Breaks molecules → releases energy

And cellular respiration is primarily a catabolic process because it breaks down glucose and captures its energy as ATP.

🎯 TEAS CHEAT SHEET

metabolism

Term	SUPER EASY meaning
Metabolism	All chemical reactions in the body
Metabolic pathway	Series of chemical reactions
Anabolic	Builds molecules
Catabolic	Breaks down molecules
Cellular respiration	Gets usable energy from food
Glycolysis	Breaks down glucose
Krebs/Citric Acid Cycle	Middle stage of respiration
Electron Transport Chain	Makes lots of ATP
ATP	Usable energy for cells

🧠🔥 THE 5 THINGS I WANT YOU TO MEMORIZE1.

METABOLISM = all chemical reactions

2.

ANABOLIC = BUILD + ENERGY IN

🧱 → ⚡

3.

CATABOLIC = BREAK + ENERGY OUT

💥 → ⚡

4.

CELLULAR RESPIRATION = GET ENERGY FROM GLUCOSE

🍬 → ⚡

5.

G → K → E

Glycolysis → Krebs → Electron Transport Chain

---

🏆 FINAL MEMORY TRICK

Say this:

🧱 ANA = ADD/build
💥 CATA = CUT/break
🍬 GLYCOLYSIS = glucose gets broken
🔄 KREBS = middle
⚡ ETC = lots of ATP

And the BIG picture:🍬 GLUCOSE → 💥 BREAK DOWN → ⚡ ATP

☂ METABOLISM =

THE BIG CATEGORYMetabolism

= ALL the chemical reactions happening in your body

Under that big category are many different metabolic pathways.

For example:

🧬 METABOLISM

│

├── 🧱 ANABOLIC pathways

│ └── Build molecules

│

└── 💥 CATABOLIC pathways

└── Break molecules down

And cellular respiration is one group of metabolic pathways:

🧬 METABOLISM
│
└── ⚡ CELLULAR RESPIRATION
      │
      ├── 1. Glycolysis
      │
      ├── 2. Krebs Cycle
      │
      └── 3. Electron Transport Chain

So YES:

Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, and Electron Transport Chain are metabolic pathways.

They are part of cellular respiration, which is part of metabolism.

🧠 Think of it like a SCHOOL

🏫 School = Metabolism

Inside the school:

📚 Classes = different metabolic pathways

And one group of classes could be:

⚡ Cellular respiration

with:

1. Glycolysis

2. Krebs Cycle

3. Electron Transport Chain

So don't think of metabolism as one single pathway.

Think:

METABOLISM = the entire collection of chemical reactions/pathways in the body.

Cellular respiration mainly =

making usable energy for the cell. ⚡

Think of it like this:

🍞 Glucose (food) + O₂ → ⚡ ATP (usable energy) + CO₂ + H₂O

What is happening?

1. 🍞 You get glucose from food.

2. 🫁 Your body provides oxygen.

3. 🧬 Cells break down the glucose.

4. ⚡ The energy from glucose is captured as ATP.

5. 🚮 CO₂ and water are produced as byproducts.

🧠 TEAS MEMORY

Cellular respiration = cells getting usable energy (ATP) from glucose.

And remember the 3 main stages:

Glycolysis → Krebs Cycle → Electron Transport Chain

👉 Main goal: MAKE ATP. ⚡

🧬 Cellular Respiration =

MAKING ATP ⚡

The main goal is:

🍞 Break down glucose → capture its energy → make ATP

Think of glucose as a big energy-filled package.

The cell opens the package in 3 main steps:

🧠 The BIG picture

1. Glycolysis → 2. Krebs Cycle → 3. Electron Transport Chain

Think:

✂ BREAK → EXTRACT → CASH OUT

• Glycolysis = break glucose apart

• Krebs = extract more energy

• ETC = make MOST of the ATP

1⃣ GLYCOLYSIS =

BREAK THE GLUCOSE 🍞✂Where?

📍 Cytoplasm

What happens?

You start with:

1 glucose

Glucose gets split into:

2 pyruvate

And you get:

• ⚡ 2 ATP net

• 🔋 2 NADH

• 🧩 2 pyruvate

Why does it say 4 ATP but only 2 ATP?

This part is confusing at first, so remember:

You spend 2 ATP to get the process started.

Then you make 4 ATP.

So:

4 made − 2 spent = 2 NET ATP

💰 Think of it like money:

You spend $2 → make $4 → you actually gained $2.

🧠 EASY MEMORY

GLYCOLYSIS = GLUCOSE GETS SPLIT

"LYSIS = BREAK/APART"

So:

Glycolysis = break glucose apart

🚨 TEAS MUST KNOW

Glycolysis = cytoplasm + glucose → 2 pyruvate + 2 net ATP + 2 NADH

2⃣ KREBS / CITRIC ACID CYCLE 🔄

Now those pyruvates continue into the mitochondria.

📍 Mitochondria

Think of Krebs as the energy extractor.

It keeps breaking things down and collects energy in:

🔋 NADH
🔋 FADH₂

It also makes a little ATP.

Main job?

Krebs loads up the energy carriers that will be used in the final step.

Think:

🔋 Krebs = LOAD THE BATTERIES

NADH and FADH₂ are basically energy carriers that take electrons to the ETC.

🧠 TEAS MEMORY

Krebs = middle step

Glycolysis → Krebs → ETC

Don't get stuck trying to memorize every tiny reaction in the Krebs cycle for the TEAS.

Know its main job:

Krebs makes NADH + FADH₂ that carry energy to the ETC.

3⃣ ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN =

ATP FACTORY ⚡🏭

This is where the BIG ATP production happens.

📍 Inner mitochondrial membrane

NADH and FADH₂ bring electrons here.

The electrons move through the chain.

That movement helps create a proton gradient.

Then:

🌀 ATP synthase

Protons flow through ATP synthase.

ATP synthase uses that energy to make:

ADP → ATP

🧠 SUPER EASY ANALOGY

Imagine a dam 🌊.

Water is held behind a dam.

When the water rushes through a turbine:

➡ energy is produced.

Same basic idea:

Protons build up → rush through ATP synthase → ATP is made

🫁 AND WHAT DOES OXYGEN DO?

metabolism

At the end of the electron transport chain:

Oxygen = final electron acceptor

Think:

🧲 Oxygen catches the electrons at the end.

Oxygen then helps form water.

🧠 TEAS MEMORY:

O₂ = END

Oxygen comes in at the END of the ETC.

---

⚡ WHERE IS MOST ATP MADE?

Electron Transport Chain

That's the big one.

Roughly:

Stage	Main thing to remember
🥇 Glycolysis	2 net ATP
🥈 Krebs	2 ATP + lots of NADH/FADH₂
🥇🥇 ETC	MOST ATP

Modern biology often gives about 30–32 ATP from the ETC, with total aerobic respiration commonly around 30–32 ATP per glucose in many cells. Older textbooks may quote 34–36 or 36–38 ATP, so don't panic if your course material uses a different total.

🔥 THE WHOLE THING IN ONE STORY

Imagine glucose is a big bag of money 💰.

STEP 1 — GLYCOLYSIS ✂

You open the bag and split the glucose.

Glucose → 2 pyruvate

You get:

⚡ 2 ATP
🔋 2 NADH

---

STEP 2 — KREBS 🔄

You keep breaking the pieces down.

You collect:

🔋 NADH
🔋 FADH₂
⚡ a little ATP

These energy carriers take their electrons to the final step.

---

STEP 3 — ETC ⚡

NADH + FADH₂ deliver electrons.

Electrons help create a proton gradient.

Protons flow through ATP synthase.

➡ LOTS OF ATP

Oxygen catches the electrons at the end.

➡ Water is formed

🧠 THE #1 MEMORY TRICK

Remember:

G → K → EG = Glycolysis

🍞 GLUCOSE gets broken

K = Krebs

🔋 KEEP collecting energy

E = ETC

⚡ ENERGY/ATP is made

So say:

“Glycolysis breaks it, Krebs loads it, ETC cashes it.” 💰⚡

🚨 TEAS CHEAT SHEET

If you only memorize THIS, you're in good shape:

metabolism

Cellular respiration:
➡ Makes ATP from energy in glucose.

Glycolysis:
➡ Cytoplasm
➡ Breaks glucose
➡ Makes 2 pyruvate
➡ 2 net ATP
➡ Makes NADH

Krebs cycle:
➡ Mitochondria
➡ Makes a little ATP
➡ Makes lots of NADH + FADH₂

ETC:
➡ Inner mitochondrial membrane
➡ Makes MOST ATP
➡ Uses electrons from NADH/FADH₂
➡ Oxygen is the final electron acceptor
➡ Water is produced

⭐ ONE-LINE MEMORY:

Glycolysis BREAKS → Krebs COLLECTS → ETC MAKES ATP. ⚡