AP Biology - Cellular Respiration

Front

What is ATP and why is it significant in cellular respiration?

Back

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells. It is significant because it stores and provides energy for various cellular processes through the breaking of its high-energy phosphate bonds.

Front

What is glycolysis?

Back

Glycolysis is the metabolic process that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH in the process.

Front

What is the Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)?

Back

The Citric Acid Cycle is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Front

What is the role of NAD+ in cellular respiration?

Back

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) acts as an electron carrier, accepting electrons during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, and is essential for the regeneration of NAD+ during fermentation.

Front

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Back

Oxidative phosphorylation is the final stage of cellular respiration, where ATP is produced using the energy released by the electron transport chain and the flow of protons back into the mitochondrial matrix.

Front

What is fermentation and when does it occur?

Back

Fermentation is an anaerobic process that allows cells to generate energy without oxygen, primarily by replenishing NAD+ for glycolysis.

Front

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Back

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more ATP compared to anaerobic respiration, which occurs without oxygen and results in less ATP.

Front

What are the main products of glycolysis?

Back

The main products of glycolysis are 2 pyruvate molecules, 2 ATP molecules, and 2 NADH molecules.

Front

What is the significance of breaking bonds in ATP?

Back

Breaking the bonds between the phosphate groups in ATP releases energy that can be used for cellular work.

Front

What is the role of oxygen in cellular respiration?

Back

Oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, allowing for the production of ATP and water.