Biochemistry: Catabolic Pathways and Metabolism

A metabolic pathway that breaks down complex molecules to release stored energy.

A metabolic pathway that requires energy to build up large molecules from smaller ones.

The process of losing electrons and energy.

The process of gaining electrons and energy.

The first stage of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down into two pyruvate molecules in the cytoplasm.

A metabolic process that recycles NAD+ from NADH by transferring electrons, producing either ethanol or lactic acid as byproducts.

A form of cellular energy production that uses oxygen as the final electron acceptor, producing ATP through the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.

The movement of protons (H+) across a membrane, from an area of high concentration to low concentration, generating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

A process that occurs in both cellular respiration and photosynthesis, where a proton gradient across a membrane drives the synthesis of ATP.

A process that occurs in the mitochondria where acetyl CoA is oxidized to CO₂ and energy is captured in the form of ATP, NADH, and FADH₂.

A molecule formed by the combination of oxaloacetate and the ionized form of citric acid. It serves as the starting point for the citric acid cycle.

The process by which ATP is produced in the mitochondria using the energy released from the electron transport chain.

A series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons from NADH and FADH₂ to oxygen, generating a proton gradient.

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons from NADH and FADH₂ to oxygen. This process generates a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, driving ATP synthesis.

A molecule that carries electrons from complex I and II to complex III in the electron transport chain.

The force generated by the buildup of protons (H⁺) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP synthesis. It's like a dam holding back water.

An enzyme located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that uses the proton motive force to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.