Cellular Respiration and ATP Fundamentals

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the components of ATP, the process of cellular respiration, and the specific stages of energy production in cells.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A molecule often referred to as the currency of biological energy that cells use to grow, move, and create electrical impulses.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells derive energy from food, specifically by turning glucose and oxygen into $CO_2$, water, and energy.

Glucose

The specific form of food from which humans derive energy, which is ultimately converted into ATP.

Adenine

A nitrogenous base that is one of the components of an adenosine triphosphate molecule.

Ribose

A sugar molecule that, along with adenine and three phosphate groups, makes up ATP.

ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate)

The molecule that remains after ATP releases energy by shooting off one of its three phosphate groups.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction where water is used to break down a compound; specifically, when a hydroxide ($OH$ pairing) from water replaces a phosphate group in ATP.

38 Molecules of ATP

The theoretical best-case scenario yield of energy molecules from the cellular respiration of one molecule of glucose.

29 to 30 ATPs

The typical actual yield of energy molecules researchers find resulting from one molecule of glucose, rather than the ideal 38.

Glycolysis

The first of three separate stages where glucose is transformed into ATP.

The Krebs Cycle

The second stage of cellular respiration used to transform glucose into energy.

The Electron Transport Chain

The third and final stage of the cellular respiration process.