Cellular Respiration Flashcards
Where is chemical energy stored in molecules like glucose?
In the bonds
What is cellular respiration in simple terms?
When mitochondria break down carbohydrates (and fats) to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules
What is ATP made up of?
Made up a 5 carbon sugar (ribose sugar), a nitrogen base (adenine) and 3 phosphate molecules
Why is ATP a high energy molecule?
Due to the negative charges on the phosphate groups
How does ATP release energy?
When the third phosphate group breaks, energy is released
How does ATP release energy?
When the third phosphate group breaks, energy is released
What is dephosphorylation?
The removal of a phosphate group from a molecule
What is the Matrix?
Fluid-filled space of the inner membrane that contains enzymes for breaking down carbohydrates and other high energy molecules
What is the Cristae?
Folds found within inner membrane that provide large surface area for ATP production
What is the formula for cellular respiration?
C6H12O6(s) + 6O2(g) → 6 CO2(g) + 6 H2O (l) + energy (heat)
What is oxidization?
When an atom or molecule loses an electron
What is reduction?
When an atom or molecule gains an electron
Whenever one molecule is _______, another must be _________
OXIDIZED, REDUCED
In cellular respiration, glucose is _______, and oxygen is _________
OXIDIZED, REDUCED
How does cellular respiration release energy?
By oxidizing molecules of glucose to carbon dioxide
What type of reaction is the breakdown of glucose?
An oxidation-reduction reaction
How many ATP molecules does the breakdown of one glucose form?
36 to 38 ATP molecules
What is aerobic cellular respiration?
- A series of enzyme catalyzed reactions where electrons are transferred from glucose to oxygen, generating ATP
- Oxygen is required, therefore this process is performed by organisms that live in oxygen-rich environments
What is anaerobic cellular respiration?
- Does not require oxygen to produce ATP
- Performed by organisms living in anoxic (oxygen deficient) environments
What is fermentation?
Process does not require oxygen; can be carried out by aerobic organisms (ex. yeast, bacteria, muscle cells of mammals)
What is glycolysis?
- An anaerobic process that is performed by all living cells
- Occurs in the cytosol
- Breaks down and splits glucose into two molecules of pyruvate which is then used in the process of cellular respiration to produce ATP
- Also produces NADH through several more reactions that result in the reduction of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)
How much ATP is produced by glycolysis?
Glycolysis produces 4 ATP, but Initiating glycolysis uses 2 ATP, therefore there is a net value of 2.
Where does glycolysis occur?
Occurs outside the mitochondria, in the cytoplasm (cytosol)
What happens if there is NO oxygen available after glycolysis?
Fermentation will occur