Cellular respiration

A molecule capable of accepting or donating electrons during metabolic reactions. Effectively transfers energy stored in electrons.

A coenzyme derived from vitamin B3 (niacin) that plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, particularly in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. It accepts electrons and becomes NADH, carrying energy.

A cofactor derived from vitamin B2 (riboflavin) that carries electrons and hydrogen atoms. It is involved in the electron transport chain, a crucial stage of cellular respiration.

A redox reaction that involves the loss of electrons. Energy is released through this process.

A redox reaction that involves the gain of electrons. Energy is absorbed through this process.

The chemical processes that occur within living organisms to maintain life.

The breakdown of large molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.

The synthesis of larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy.

A simple sugar that is the primary fuel source for most cells.

The process of breaking down carbohydrates into glucose.

The process of breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

The process of breaking down proteins into amino acids.

The study of how metabolism is affected by diseases.

The study of how drugs and other substances affect metabolism.

The ability of a living organism to adapt to its environment.

The process of breaking down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.

A series of reactions that occur in the mitochondria, oxidizing pyruvate and generating NADH, FADH2, and ATP.

A process that uses the energy stored in high-energy electrons from NADH and FADH2 to generate a large amount of ATP.

The enzyme that uses the proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane to produce ATP.

The total amount of ATP produced from one glucose molecule during cellular respiration is around 32 ATP.

Pyruvate is a molecule produced during glycolysis and is transported into the mitochondria for further processing in cellular respiration. It acts as a key intermediary in the breakdown of glucose.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) is an enzyme located in the mitochondrial matrix that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl CoA. This is a crucial step in the transition from glycolysis to the citric acid cycle.

Acetyl CoA is a molecule formed by the combination of acetyl group (from pyruvate) and coenzyme A. It plays a vital role in cellular respiration as it enters the citric acid cycle and is used to generate energy through the electron transport chain.

The citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle) is a series of biochemical reactions that produce energy in the form of ATP. It occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and involves the oxidation of acetyl CoA to carbon dioxide.

Glucose is constantly broken down into pyruvate via glycolysis, providing a continuous supply of fuel for the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain. This ensures a steady flow of energy production within the cell.

The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that yield NADH and FADH2. These are electron carriers that are essential for the electron transport chain, the final process of cellular respiration that produces ATP.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste byproduct released during the citric acid cycle, indicating that the fuel molecule (acetyl CoA) is being broken down to release energy. This is why we exhale carbon dioxide.

The electron transport chain is the final stage of cellular respiration, taking place on the inner mitochondrial membrane. It uses electrons from NADH and FADH2 to generate a proton gradient across the membrane, driving ATP synthesis.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of cells. It is generated through the breakdown of glucose via glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, allowing for various cellular processes.

The molecule that begins the process. It is a six-carbon sugar that serves as the primary fuel source for cellular respiration.

The three-carbon molecule produced at the end of glycolysis. It is a crucial intermediate that moves on to the next stage of respiration.

The first phase of glycolysis requires an input of energy in the form of ATP. This stage prepares glucose for further breakdown.

This phase involves a series of reactions that produce ATP and NADH. It is where the energy harvest begins.

It refers to the transfer of a phosphate group from a molecule, such as a substrate, to ADP, generating ATP. This is a key energy-producing mechanism in glycolysis.

A molecule that is a key player in energy transfer. It carries electrons and is converted to NADH during glycolysis. This molecule is crucial for delivering energy to the electron transport chain.

A high-energy compound that is a precursor to pyruvate. Its conversion to pyruvate produces ATP, contributing to the energy harvest of glycolysis.

The process of converting glucose into pyruvate involves a series of 10 reactions, each catalyzed by a specific enzyme. These enzymes control the rate and direction of the reactions.

It's the process that links glycolysis to the citric acid cycle. Pyruvate is transformed into acetyl-CoA, enabling its entry into the citric acid cycle.

This process is essential for generating ATP, the primary energy currency of cells. It allows organisms to extract usable energy from glucose.

A process that occurs in the absence of oxygen. This pathway generates ATP, but at a much lower rate than aerobic respiration.

It's a type of anaerobic respiration that occurs in muscle cells under conditions of low oxygen. It produces lactic acid as a byproduct, potentially causing muscle fatigue.