AP Biology cellular respiration details key terms

What is cellular respiration?

A metabolic process that converts glucose into ATP, utilizing oxygen.

Glycolysis definition

The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, producing a net gain of 2 ATP.

True or false: Oxygen is required for glycolysis.

False, because glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen.

Difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration

Aerobic uses oxygen and yields more ATP; anaerobic does not use oxygen and yields less ATP.

Net ATP produced in glycolysis

2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.

What is the Krebs cycle?

A series of enzymatic reactions in the mitochondrial matrix that produce NADH and FADH2.

Fill in the blank: Pyruvate is converted to _____ before entering the Krebs cycle.

Acetyl-CoA.

What does NADH do?

It carries electrons to the electron transport chain, aiding ATP production.

True or false: The electron transport chain occurs in the cytoplasm.

False, because it occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

ATP synthase function

It synthesizes ATP using the proton gradient created by the electron transport chain.

What is fermentation?

An anaerobic process that allows ATP production without oxygen, yielding lactic acid or ethanol.

Which molecule is the final electron acceptor?

Oxygen, forming water in the last step of the electron transport chain.

Difference between lactic acid and alcoholic fermentation

Lactic acid fermentation produces lactic acid; alcoholic fermentation produces ethanol and CO2.

How many ATP are produced in aerobic respiration?

Up to 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, depending on the cell type.

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

The process of ATP generation linked to the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.

True or false: Glycolysis occurs in mitochondria.

False, because glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm.

Fill in the blank: The byproduct of aerobic respiration is _____

Carbon dioxide and water.