keywords Flashcards
What is Acetyl coenzyme A?
A two-carbon molecule formed in the link reaction when acetate reacts with coenzyme A. It is oxidised in the Krebs cycle.
Acetyl coenzyme A plays a crucial role in metabolism, linking glycolysis to the Krebs cycle.
What does ATP stand for and its role?
Adenosine triphosphate; it is the universal energy carrier found in all living cells.
ATP is essential for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction and active transport.
Define aerobic respiration.
A form of cellular respiration that takes place in the presence of oxygen, producing carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.
Its four main stages are glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
What is the overall equation for aerobic respiration?
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
This equation represents the complete oxidation of glucose in the presence of oxygen.
What is ammonification?
The production of ammonia when saprobiontic microorganisms feed on organic nitrogen-containing compounds.
Ammonium ions formed are added to the soil, contributing to the nitrogen cycle.
What is anaerobic respiration?
A form of cellular respiration that takes place in the absence of oxygen.
In animals, lactate is produced; in plants and microorganisms, ethanol and carbon dioxide are produced.
True or False: Anaerobic respiration produces more ATP than aerobic respiration.
False
Anaerobic respiration produces less ATP than aerobic respiration.
What are artificial fertilisers?
Man-made compounds generally containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium used to increase the mineral content of soils.
They are used to enhance crop yields in agriculture.
What is the function of ATP synthase?
An enzyme that phosphorylates ADP to form ATP as protons flow through it.
ATP synthase is crucial for ATP production during oxidative phosphorylation.
Define biomass.
The total mass of organic material, measured in a specific area over a set time period.
Biomass can be calculated in terms of dry mass or mass of carbon per given area.
What is calorimetry used for?
A technique used to estimate the chemical energy store in dry biomass.
It helps in understanding energy transfer in ecosystems.
What are carnivores?
Animals that prey on and eat other animals. They can be secondary or tertiary consumers.
Examples include lions and hawks, which play important roles in food chains.
Define chemiosmotic theory.
The synthesis of ATP through the movement of protons down their concentration gradient across a semipermeable membrane, catalysed by ATP synthase.
This theory explains how energy is produced in mitochondria and chloroplasts.
What is chlorophyll?
A photosynthetic pigment located in the thylakoids of chloroplasts that absorbs light energy and becomes ionised.
Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert light energy into chemical energy.
What are coenzymes?
Molecules that help enzymes carry out their function, e.g., NAD, FAD, NADP.
Coenzymes are vital for various biochemical reactions, including those in cellular respiration.
