6 Cellular Energy Conversion Free Online FlashCards

What does ATP hydrolysis produce, and what does it make available?

ATP hydrolysis produces ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi), making energy available for cellular work.

Why do cells continually regenerate ATP?

Cells continually regenerate ATP from ADP and Pi because ATP is a reusable energy carrier, not a long-term energy store.

What happens during glycolysis, and where does it occur?

Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol, splitting one glucose into two pyruvate molecules and producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.

What happens to pyruvate when oxygen is available?

When oxygen is available, pyruvate enters the mitochondrion and is converted to acetyl-CoA.

What are the main outputs of the citric acid cycle?

The citric acid cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. It releases carbon dioxide, transfers energy to NADH and FADH₂, and makes a small amount of ATP directly.

Where does oxidative phosphorylation occur, and what does it produce?

Oxidative phosphorylation takes place at the inner mitochondrial membrane and produces most of the ATP in aerobic respiration.

Which carriers deliver electrons to the mitochondrial electron transport chain?

NADH and FADH₂ deliver electrons to the electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

What does electron transfer power in the mitochondrial electron transport chain?

As electrons move along the respiratory electron transport chain, released energy pumps H⁺ into the intermembrane space.

What is oxygen’s role at the end of the respiratory electron transport chain?

Oxygen accepts electrons at the end of the respiratory electron transport chain and combines with H⁺ to form water.

What is chemiosmosis?

Chemiosmosis is ATP production driven by H⁺ flowing down its gradient through ATP synthase.

What is the energy-conversion role of photosynthesis?

In plant and algal cells, photosynthesis captures light energy and stores it in the chemical bonds of carbohydrates.

What do the light-dependent reactions produce, and where do they occur?

Light-dependent reactions occur in thylakoid membranes. They use light to energize electrons, split water to release oxygen, and produce ATP and NADPH.