ATP Metabolism and Cellular Respiration Overview

What is the primary energy currency of cells?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

What does ADP stand for and how does it differ from ATP?

Adenosine diphosphate; it has 2 phosphates and contains less energy than ATP.

What happens to ATP when a phosphate is broken off?

It turns into ADP, releasing energy.

What is the general formula for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2.

Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?

In the chloroplasts.

What is chlorophyll and its role in photosynthesis?

A pigment that absorbs light, facilitating the photosynthesis process.

What are the light-dependent reactions (LDR) and where do they occur?

Reactions that convert sunlight into ATP and NADPH, occurring in the thylakoid membrane.

What are the main products of the light-dependent reactions?

ATP, NADPH, H+, and O2.

What is the Calvin Cycle and where does it take place?

A light-independent reaction that converts CO2 into glucose, occurring in the stroma.

What is the overall function of cellular respiration?

To break down glucose to release chemical energy and produce ATP.

What is the formula for aerobic cellular respiration?

6O2 + C6H12O6 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy (ATP).

What are the three major steps of aerobic cellular respiration?

Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and Electron transport chain.

Where does glycolysis occur and what are its net products?

In the cytoplasm; net gain of 2 ATP and 2 NADH.

What happens to glucose during glycolysis?

It is broken down into 2 pyruvic acids.

What is the function of the Krebs Cycle?

To create ATP and produce electron carriers for the electron transport chain.

Where does the Krebs cycle take place?

In the matrix of the mitochondria.

What are the products of the Krebs cycle?

2 ATP, NADH, FADH2, and CO2.

What is the role of the electron transport chain?

To make ATP using high-energy electrons from glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

Where does the electron transport chain occur?

In the membrane folds of the mitochondria.

What are the main reactants for the electron transport chain?

NADH, FADH2, ADP, O2, and H+.

What is the net gain of ATP from the entire cellular respiration process?

36 ATP.

What is produced when oxygen combines with electrons and H+ in the electron transport chain?

Water (H2O).

What is the significance of ATP synthase in cellular respiration?

It produces ATP by utilizing the H+ gradient created during the electron transport chain.