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Overview of Cellular Respiration definitions

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  • Cellular Respiration
    Series of reactions breaking down molecules for energy, involving multiple electron transfers and interconnected metabolic pathways.
  • Glycolysis
    Initial metabolic pathway that splits glucose into pyruvate, generating small amounts of ATP and electron carriers.
  • Fermentation
    Anaerobic process that oxidizes molecules, allowing energy extraction when oxygen is scarce, producing intermediates like acetyl CoA.
  • Pyruvate
    Three-carbon molecule produced from glucose breakdown, serving as a key intermediate before entering further metabolic cycles.
  • Acetyl CoA
    Molecule formed by oxidation of pyruvate, acting as the entry substrate for the Krebs cycle in energy metabolism.
  • Krebs Cycle
    Cyclic series of reactions in mitochondria that processes acetyl groups, generating electron carriers, ATP, and carbon dioxide.
  • NADH
    High-energy electron carrier produced during metabolic pathways, crucial for transferring electrons to the electron transport chain.
  • FADH2
    Reduced electron carrier generated in the Krebs cycle, delivering electrons to the electron transport chain for ATP production.
  • Electron Transport Chain
    Membrane-associated series of protein complexes that transfer electrons, pumping protons to create an electrochemical gradient.
  • ATP Synthesis
    Process where energy from a proton gradient is harnessed to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into cellular energy currency.
  • Oxidative Phosphorylation
    Final stage of aerobic respiration coupling electron transfer and proton movement to drive ATP generation via chemiosmotic mechanisms.
  • Chemiosmotic Coupling
    Mechanism linking the movement of protons across a membrane to the synthesis of ATP, utilizing an electrochemical gradient.
  • Proton Gradient
    Difference in hydrogen ion concentration and charge across a membrane, storing potential energy for cellular processes.
  • Proton Motive Force
    Electrochemical gradient of hydrogen ions across a membrane, providing the energy required for ATP synthesis.
  • Carbon Dioxide
    Waste product released during the Krebs cycle as organic molecules are oxidized for energy extraction.