cellular respiration - animal cells Flashcards
What are the major energy requirements of cells?
Cells need energy for mechanical work, making new materials, transporting molecules, and maintaining order.
What is ATP and why is it important?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells.
It stores and releases energy for cellular processes.
How is ATP regenerated?
ATP is continuously used and regenerated in the cell.
ATP regeneration is essential for maintaining energy balance.
Why do we need ATP for transport?
ctive transport (moving molecules against concentration gradients) requires ATP.
Example: Transport proteins push molecules across membranes.
What is the structure of the mitochondrion?
Two membranes: Outer membrane & highly folded inner membrane (cristae).
Mitochondrial matrix: Contains enzymes, proteins, and mitochondrial DNA.
What are the three stages of cellular respiration?
- Glycolysis (occurs in the cytoplasm)
- Pyruvate oxidation & Citric Acid Cycle (occurs in the mitochondrial matrix)
- Oxidative phosphorylation (occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane)
What happens in glycolysis?
Glucose (C6H12O6) → 2 Pyruvate (C3H4O3)
Produces ATP and NADH (high-energy electron carrier).
What happens in the Citric Acid Cycle?
Pyruvate → Acetyl-CoA → Completely broken down
Produces ATP, NADH, and FADH2 (another electron carrier).
What is oxidative phosphorylation?
NADH and FADH2 transfer electrons through the electron transport chain.
Generates a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
What is chemiosmosis?
ATP synthase uses the proton gradient to generate ATP from ADP and Pi.
This process converts chemical energy into ATP.
What is the role of oxygen in cellular respiration?
Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.
Without oxygen, ATP production stops.
What is the overall equation for cellular respiration?
Glucose + O2 -> CO2 + H20 + ATP
Inputs: Glucose & Oxygen
Outputs: Carbon dioxide, Water & ATP
How does photosynthesis relate to cellular respiration?
Photosynthesis stores energy (converts light energy to glucose).
Cellular respiration releases energy (breaks down glucose to ATP).
Why do plants and algae perform photosynthesis?
Only plants, algae, and some bacteria perform photosynthesis.
Converts low-energy CO₂ into high-energy glucose using sunlight.
What is Chemiosmosis?
Chemiosmosis is the movement of protons (H⁺) across a membrane to drive ATP synthesis.
