Cell & Molecular Bio Chap 5.1

Metabolic Pathways

A series of chemical reactions within a cell, each catalyzed by a specific enzyme.

Interconnected Networks

Metabolic pathways that are interconnected, forming a complex metabolic network.

Homeostasis

The regulation of metabolic pathways by cells to maintain stability and meet energy demands.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons from a molecule.

Reduction

The gain of electrons by a molecule.

Redox Reactions

Oxidation-reduction reactions fundamental to energy transformations in cells.

Organic Molecules

Substances primarily consisting of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, from which cells extract energy.

ATP

A high-energy molecule produced during the oxidation process that stores and transfers energy within cells.

Glycolysis

The breakdown of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Pyruvate

The end product of glycolysis which enters the mitochondria and is converted into acetyl-CoA.

Acetyl-CoA

The molecule that enters the TCA cycle after pyruvate conversion, leading to further oxidation.

TCA Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Gibbs Free Energy Change (∆G)

Determines whether a chemical reaction will proceed spontaneously.

NADH

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, a high-energy electron carrier that stores energy.

FADH2

Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide, another high-energy electron carrier involved in energy metabolism.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons to produce ATP.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final step of energy production that occurs in the mitochondria and uses the ETC to produce ATP.