BIOL 4301: The Citric Acid Cycle

Flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to the citric acid cycle and glycolysis from the BIOL 4301 lecture notes.

Pyruvate

A three-carbon molecule formed from glucose during glycolysis, which is further converted into acetyl CoA.

Acetyl CoA

Coenzyme A combined with an acetyl group, central to the citric acid cycle and energy production.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of biochemical reactions that converts acetyl CoA into carbon dioxide and energy-carrying molecules.

Oxidative Decarboxylation

The process by which a carboxyl group is removed from a molecule as carbon dioxide, often seen in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA.

NADH

An electron carrier that stores energy used to generate ATP during cellular respiration.

FADH2

An electron carrier produced during the citric acid cycle, used in the electron transport chain.

GTP

A high-energy molecule similar to ATP, produced in the citric acid cycle.

Oxaloacetate

A four-carbon molecule that combines with acetyl CoA to initiate the citric acid cycle.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

AEROBIC Respiration

A form of respiration that requires oxygen, resulting in a higher yield of ATP compared to anaerobic processes.