Glycolysis

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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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The metabolic process by which cells convert the chemical energy from glucose into ATP to power cellular activities.

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Example: This image shows the labeled parts of a mitochondrion, the organelle where the later stages of cellular respiration occur, but it does not show glycolysis.

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ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) Noun

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[uh-den-uh-seen trahy-fos-feyt]

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ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

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The main energy-carrying molecule used to power metabolic processes and other cellular functions within all living cells.

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Example: This diagram shows ATP as a 'charged battery' that releases energy to become ADP, a 'dead battery.' This cycle explains how ATP stores and provides energy for cells.

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Metabolic Pathway Noun

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[met-uh-bol-ik path-wey]

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Metabolic Pathway

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A linked series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell, where each step is catalyzed by a specific enzyme.

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Example: This diagram shows a metabolic pathway where glucose is broken down in a series of steps (glycolysis) to produce energy (ATP) for the cell.

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Exergonic Adjective

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[ek-ser-gon-ik]

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Exergonic

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Describes a spontaneous chemical reaction or process that releases energy, such as the breakdown of high-energy glucose molecules.

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Example: This graph shows an exergonic reaction, where the starting materials (reactants) have more energy than the final materials (products), causing energy to be released.

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Catabolic Adjective

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[kat-uh-bol-ik]

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Catabolic

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Describes a metabolic process that involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.

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Example: A large, complex starch molecule is broken down (a catabolic process) into many small, simple glucose molecules, which can then be used for energy.

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Aerobic Respiration Noun

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[air-oh-bik res-puh-rey-shuhn]

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Aerobic Respiration

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The cellular process of producing ATP from food molecules, which specifically requires the presence and use of oxygen.

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Example: This diagram shows aerobic respiration, the process cells use to create energy. It starts with glycolysis, where glucose breaks down, and then continues inside the mitochondrion.

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Glycolysis Noun

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[glahy-kol-i-sis]

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Glycolysis

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The initial metabolic pathway of cellular respiration that breaks down one glucose molecule into two pyruvate molecules in the cytoplasm.

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

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Citric Acid Cycle Noun

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[si-trik as-id sahy-kuhl]

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Citric Acid Cycle

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A series of chemical reactions in the mitochondrial matrix that completes the breakdown of glucose, releasing stored energy.

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Example: This diagram shows that food, like rice, is broken down in the mitochondrion (where the Citric Acid Cycle occurs) to release usable energy (ATP).

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Electron Transport Chain (ETC) Noun

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[ih-lek-tron trans-port cheyn]

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Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

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A series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfers electrons to generate a proton gradient for ATP synthesis.

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Example: This diagram shows how energy carriers (NADH, FADH2) drop off electrons, which move through proteins to pump protons and finally make water.

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Oxidative Phosphorylation Noun

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[ok-si-dey-tiv fos-fawr-uh-ley-shuhn]

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Oxidative Phosphorylation

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The metabolic process where the energy released by the oxidation of nutrients is used to produce ATP via the ETC.

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Example: Energy from electrons (from NADH) pumps protons (H+) across a membrane, creating a gradient. These protons then flow through ATP synthase to produce ATP.