Cell and Molecular Biology Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the Cell and Molecular Biology lecture focused on energy metabolism and cellular oxidation.

Catabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, resulting in the release of energy.

Anabolism

The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring the input of energy.

Glycolysis

The first step in glucose catabolism, producing pyruvate, ATP, and NADH.

ATP

A molecule that serves as the main energy currency in biological systems.

NADH

An electron carrier molecule produced during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle that is used in cellular respiration.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons from a molecule, which produces energy.

Reduction

The gain of electrons by a molecule, often associated with energy storage.

Citric Acid Cycle

Also known as the Krebs cycle, central pathway for oxidation that produces energy carriers from acetyl-CoA.

Gluconeogenesis

An anabolic pathway that synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors like pyruvate.

Obligate aerobes

Organisms that require oxygen for their survival.

Obligate anaerobes

Organisms that are harmed or killed by oxygen.

Facultative organisms

Organisms that can switch between aerobic and anaerobic modes of metabolism.

Hydrolysis of ATP

The process by which ATP is broken down into ADP and inorganic phosphate, releasing energy for cellular processes.

Energy coupling

Using the energy released from one reaction to drive another reaction.

Redox reactions

Reactions involving the transfer of electrons between molecules, comprising oxidation and reduction processes.

Activated carrier molecules

Molecules such as NADH and ATP that transport energy in a readily usable form.

Thermodynamics

The branch of physics that deals with heat and other forms of energy, particularly how they relate to chemical reactions.