AP Biology Cellular Respiration

Front

What is cellular respiration?

Back

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Front

What are the three main stages of cellular respiration?

Back

The three main stages are Glycolysis, the Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle), and Oxidative Phosphorylation.

Front

Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?

Back

Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Front

What is the primary purpose of glycolysis?

Back

The primary purpose of glycolysis is to break down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.

Front

What is the role of NADH in cellular respiration?

Back

NADH acts as an electron carrier, transporting electrons to the electron transport chain.

Front

What happens during the Citric Acid Cycle?

Back

The Citric Acid Cycle processes acetyl-CoA to produce ATP, NADH, FADH2, and releases CO2 as a byproduct.

Front

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

Oxidative phosphorylation is the final stage of cellular respiration where ATP is produced using the energy from the electron transport chain and a proton gradient.

Front

How does the electron transport chain contribute to ATP production?

Back

The electron transport chain creates a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase.

Front

What is the proton-motive force?

Back

The proton-motive force is the potential energy stored in the form of a proton gradient across a membrane, used to drive ATP synthesis.

Front

Why is ATP considered the energy currency of the cell?

Back

ATP is considered the energy currency because it can easily release and store energy through the breaking and forming of its phosphate bonds.