Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

Cellular Respiration

Process used by most organisms to obtain energy, involving the conversion of glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

Glycolysis

The process that occurs in the cytosol, anaerobically breaking down glucose into pyruvate, producing 2 molecules of pyruvic acid, 4 ATP, and 2 NADH. (REQUIRES 2 ATP TO START) (“TO SPLIT GLUCOSE”)

Krebs Cycle

A series of reactions in the matrix of the mitochondria that produces 1 ATP, 3 NADH, and 1 FADH² from Acetyl CoA and oxaloacetate.

(Acetyl CoA + Oxaloacetate → Citric Acid → Oxaloacetate + 2 CO² + 1 ATP + 1 FADH² + 3 NADH)

Electron Transport Chain (in cellular respiration)

A process occurring in the inner membrane of the mitochondria that uses NADH and FADH² to produce ATP and water.

(10 NADH + 2 FADH² + 6 O² → 34 ATP + 6 H²O)

Pyruvate Oxidation

The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA in the mitochondrial matrix, producing 2 NADH and 2 CO².

(2 Pyruvates → 2 Acetyl CoA + 2 NADH + 2 CO²)

Fermentation

An anaerobic process where cells convert pyruvate into lactic acid or alcohol, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

The conversion of pyruvate into lactic acid using NADH. Lactic Acid Fermentation occurs in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells or bacteria. Lactic Acid Fermentation is anaerobic.

Alcoholic Fermentation

The process by which yeasts convert pyruvate into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide using NADH. Alcoholic Fermentation is anaerobic.

Oxaloacetate

A four-carbon molecule that combines with acetyl CoA in the Krebs Cycle to produce citric acid.

Matrix

Enzyme filled fluid, also the site of Kreb’s Cycle.

Cristae

Folds of inner membranes, also the site of electron transport chain.

Anaerobic

Doesn’t require O².

Aerobic

Requires O².