Cellular Respiration_ An Overview

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cellular respiration Noun

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[sel-yuh-ler res-puh-rey-shuhn]

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cellular respiration

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A process of energy conversion that releases energy from food molecules in the presence of oxygen.

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Example: This diagram shows the overall chemical reaction for cellular respiration, where glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP).

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glycolysis Noun

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[glahy-kol-uh-sis]

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glycolysis

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The first anaerobic stage of cellular respiration where glucose is broken down into pyruvic acid in the cytoplasm.

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Example: This diagram shows glycolysis, the process where one glucose molecule is broken down into two pyruvate molecules, producing a net gain of energy (ATP).

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Krebs cycle Noun

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[krebz sahy-kuhl]

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Krebs cycle

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The second stage of cellular respiration where pyruvic acid is broken down to release energy in the mitochondria.

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Example: This diagram shows the Krebs cycle, a key step in cellular respiration. A molecule called Acetyl-CoA enters the cycle, which then spins to produce energy (ATP).

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electron transport chain Noun

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[ih-lek-tron trans-pawrt cheyn]

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electron transport chain

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The final stage of cellular respiration that uses oxygen to produce the majority of ATP in the mitochondria.

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Example: Electrons from carrier molecules move along proteins in a membrane, pumping protons to create a gradient that powers the production of ATP (cell energy).

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aerobic Adjective

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[air-oh-bik]

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aerobic

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A biological process that requires the presence of oxygen.

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Example: Aerobic respiration uses oxygen to break down glucose (sugar), releasing usable energy (ATP) for the cell, along with carbon dioxide and water.

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anaerobic Adjective

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[an-uh-roh-bik]

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anaerobic

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A biological process that does not require the presence of oxygen.

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Example: This diagram shows that anaerobic respiration is a process that uses glucose to produce lactic acid and energy without requiring oxygen.

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ATP (adenosine triphosphate) Noun

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[ey-tee-pee (uh-den-uh-seen trahy-fos-feyt)]

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ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

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The primary compound that cells use to store and release energy, directly powering cellular activities.

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Example: This diagram shows that food (rice) enters the mitochondrion, which then produces ATP, the cell's main energy source, through cellular respiration.

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pyruvic acid Noun

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[pahy-roo-vik as-id]

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pyruvic acid

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A three-carbon molecule that is the end product of glycolysis and serves as a key reactant for the Krebs cycle.

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Example: This diagram shows that pyruvic acid (pyruvate) is the molecule created from glucose during glycolysis, which takes place in the cell's cytoplasm.

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fermentation Noun

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[fur-men-tey-shuhn]

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fermentation

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An anaerobic pathway that follows glycolysis, allowing a cell to keep generating ATP without using oxygen.

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Example: This diagram shows alcoholic fermentation, a process where glucose is broken down without oxygen to produce ethyl alcohol, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of energy (ATP).

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photosynthesis Noun

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[foh-toh-sin-thuh-sis]

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photosynthesis

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The process using light energy, water, and carbon dioxide to synthesize energy-rich carbohydrates and release oxygen.

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Example: A plant uses light energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar (food) and oxygen.