Biology: Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration & Energy Metabolism

Aerobic Cellular Respiration

Uses oxygen to break down glucose into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.

Three Stages of Cellular Respiration

Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the main energy molecule of the cell.

Glycolysis

Occurs in the cytoplasm; splits glucose into 2 pyruvate, 2 NADH, and net 2 ATP.

Oxygen requirement for Glycolysis

No; it is anaerobic.

Autotroph

Organism that makes its own food (photosynthesis or chemosynthesis).

Heterotroph

Organism that must consume food to get energy.

Location of Photosynthesis

Chloroplasts in eukaryotic autotrophs.

Chemosynthesis

Energy production using inorganic chemicals by prokaryotic autotrophs.

Location of Cellular Respiration

Mitochondria in eukaryotic cells.

Starting molecule of Glycolysis

Glucose.

Products of Glycolysis

2 pyruvate, 2 NADH, and net 2 ATP.

Krebs Cycle

Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and produces CO₂, NADH, FADH₂, and some ATP.

Starting molecule entering Krebs Cycle

Acetyl-CoA.

Purpose of Krebs Cycle

Make NADH and FADH₂ for the ETC.

Electron Transport Chain

Occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane; produces most ATP.

Electron donors for ETC

NADH and FADH₂.

Final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration

Oxygen (forms water).

Main purpose of ETC

Make lots of ATP using redox reactions.

Photosynthesis

Process that converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Light-Dependent Reactions

Occur in thylakoids; split water to release O₂; produce ATP and NADPH.

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

Occur in stroma; use CO₂, ATP, and NADPH to make glucose.

Thylakoids

Chloroplast structures where light-dependent reactions occur.

Stroma

Chloroplast fluid where the Calvin Cycle occurs.

Waste product of light-dependent reactions

Oxygen (O₂).

Energy molecules from light-dependent reactions

ATP and NADPH.

Gas used in Calvin Cycle

Carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Final product of photosynthesis

Glucose (sugar).

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