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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of ATP in a cell, and why is it considered the 'energy currency'?
What is the primary role of ATP in a cell, and why is it considered the 'energy currency'?
ATP provides energy for cellular functions due to the energy released when its phosphate bonds are broken.
Explain why glycolysis is considered an anaerobic process.
Explain why glycolysis is considered an anaerobic process.
Glycolysis does not require oxygen to occur.
Describe the key conversion that occurs to pyruvate before it enters the Krebs cycle, and what molecules are produced during this conversion?
Describe the key conversion that occurs to pyruvate before it enters the Krebs cycle, and what molecules are produced during this conversion?
Pyruvate is converted to Acetyl-CoA, producing CO₂ and NADH.
In the Krebs cycle, what is the significance of the regeneration of oxaloacetate?
In the Krebs cycle, what is the significance of the regeneration of oxaloacetate?
Explain the role of NADH and FADH₂ in the electron transport chain (ETC).
Explain the role of NADH and FADH₂ in the electron transport chain (ETC).
What is chemiosmosis, and how does it contribute to ATP production in the electron transport chain?
What is chemiosmosis, and how does it contribute to ATP production in the electron transport chain?
Why is oxygen essential for the electron transport chain, and what molecule is formed as a result of oxygen's role?
Why is oxygen essential for the electron transport chain, and what molecule is formed as a result of oxygen's role?
Compare and contrast alcoholic fermentation and lactic acid fermentation in terms of their end products.
Compare and contrast alcoholic fermentation and lactic acid fermentation in terms of their end products.
In the absence of oxygen, why do cells switch to fermentation, and what is the main benefit of this switch?
In the absence of oxygen, why do cells switch to fermentation, and what is the main benefit of this switch?
Briefly describe where each of the three major stages of cellular respiration occurs in a eukaryotic cell.
Briefly describe where each of the three major stages of cellular respiration occurs in a eukaryotic cell.
Explain why the net ATP yield from fermentation is significantly lower than that from aerobic respiration.
Explain why the net ATP yield from fermentation is significantly lower than that from aerobic respiration.
What role does CO₂ play in both the transition step between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, and within the Krebs cycle itself?
What role does CO₂ play in both the transition step between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, and within the Krebs cycle itself?
Describe the proton gradient's function across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Describe the proton gradient's function across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
How does the process of cellular respiration differ between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of location?
How does the process of cellular respiration differ between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of location?
Explain how the electron transport chain is directly linked to both the Krebs cycle and the process of chemiosmosis.
Explain how the electron transport chain is directly linked to both the Krebs cycle and the process of chemiosmosis.
Flashcards
Cellular Respiration
Cellular Respiration
The process where cells break down glucose to create ATP, the cell's energy currency. It includes glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Glycolysis
Glycolysis
The first stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm, where glucose is broken down into two pyruvate molecules.
ATP from Glycolysis
ATP from Glycolysis
The net gain is 2 ATP molecules.
NADH in Glycolysis
NADH in Glycolysis
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Acetyl-CoA
Acetyl-CoA
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Krebs Cycle
Krebs Cycle
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NADH & FADH₂
NADH & FADH₂
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Electron Transport Chain (ETC)
Electron Transport Chain (ETC)
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ATP Synthase
ATP Synthase
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Chemiosmosis
Chemiosmosis
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Oxygen's Role
Oxygen's Role
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Fermentation
Fermentation
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Alcoholic Fermentation
Alcoholic Fermentation
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Lactic Acid Fermentation
Lactic Acid Fermentation
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Mitochondria
Mitochondria
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Study Notes
- Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to create ATP, the cell's energy currency.
- The three major stages of cellular respiration are glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain (ETC).
Glycolysis
- Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen (anaerobic).
- One glucose molecule (6C) is broken down into two pyruvate molecules (3C each).
- The net products of glycolysis are 2 ATP and 2 NADH.
Pyruvate Oxidation & The Krebs Cycle
- After glycolysis, pyruvate moves into the mitochondria and is converted to Acetyl-CoA.
- In the process, pyruvate loses a carbon as CO₂ and produces NADH.
- Acetyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle).
- Acetyl-CoA (2C) combines with oxaloacetate (4C) to form citric acid (6C).
- Citric acid is broken down, releasing CO₂
- Electrons are transferred to carriers like NADH & FADH₂.
- The final yield of the Krebs cycle includes NADH & FADH₂ (for the ETC), 2 ATP, and CO₂ as a waste product.
The Electron Transport Chain (ETC)
- Most ATP is produced during the ETC, which occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- NADH & FADH₂ donate electrons to the ETC.
- Electrons pass through proteins, pumping H⁺ ions across the membrane, creating a gradient.
- H⁺ ions flow back through ATP synthase, generating ATP (chemiosmosis).
- Oxygen is the final electron acceptor, combining with hydrogen to form H₂O.
Fermentation
- In the absence of oxygen, cells switch to fermentation.
- Fermentation recycles NADH into NAD⁺, allowing glycolysis to continue.
- Two types of fermentation:
- Alcoholic fermentation: Produces CO₂ & alcohol (used in yeast & brewing).
- Lactic acid fermentation: Produces lactic acid (happens in muscle cells during exercise).
- Fermentation produces only 2 ATP, versus ~38 ATP in aerobic respiration.
ATP Totals
- Glycolysis yields 2 ATP.
- The Krebs Cycle & ETC yield ~36 ATP.
- The total ATP yield per glucose molecule is about 38 ATP.
- All of this occurs in the mitochondria.
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