Cellular Respiration and ATP Synthesis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cellular respiration, ATP synthesis, and the biochemical processes involved in energy transfer.

Dehydration synthesis

A chemical reaction in which two molecules are join together by the removal of water.

Endergonic reaction

A reaction that requires energy input to proceed, resulting in a positive change in free energy (delta > 0).

ATP synthase

An enzyme that creates ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, utilizing a proton gradient.

Proton gradient

A difference in the concentration of protons across a membrane, crucial for ATP synthesis.

Redox reactions

Chemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons, where oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.

NAD+

An electron carrier that picks up electrons and protons from metabolic reactions and becomes reduced to NADH.

Oxidation

The process of losing electrons during a chemical reaction, resulting in an increase in oxidation state.

Reduction

The process of gaining electrons in a chemical reaction, which results in a decrease in oxidation state.

Electron transport chain

A series of proteins embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons and pump protons to create a gradient.

Final electron acceptor

The molecule that ultimately receives electrons at the end of an electron transport chain, in aerobic respiration this is oxygen.