Term | Definition |
Cellular Respiration | The process by which cells produce energy from carbohydrates; atmospheric oxygen combines with glucose to form water and carbon dioxide |
Pyruvic Acid | The three-carbon compound that is produced during glycolysis and needed for both the aerobic and anaerobic pathways of cellular respiration that follow glycolysis |
NADH | The reduced form of NAD+; an electron-carrying molecule that functions in cellular respiration |
Anaerobic | Describes a process that does not require oxygen |
Aerobic Respiration | The process in which pyruvic acid is broken down and NADH is used to make a large amount of ATP; the part of respiration that is carried out in the presence of oxygen |
Glycolysis | The anaerobic breakdown of glucose pyruvic acid, which makes a small amount of energy available to cells in the form of ATP |
NAD+ | Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, an organic molecule that serves as an electron carrier by being oxidized to NAD+ and reduced to NADH |
Fermentation | The breakdown of carbohydrates by enzymes, bacteria, yeasts, or mold in the absence of oxygen |
Lactic Acid Fermentation | The chemical breakdown of carbohydrates that produces lactic acid as the main end product |
Alcoholic Fermentation | The anaerobic process by which yeasts and other microorganisms break down sugars to form carbon dioxide and ethanol |
Kilocalorie | A unit of energy equal to 1,000 cal |
Mitochondrial Matrix | The fluid that is inside the inner membrane of a mitochondrion |
Acetyl CoA | Acetyl coenzyme A, a compound that is synthesized by cells and that plays a major role in metabolism |
Krebs Cycle | A series of biochemical reactions that convert pyruvic acid into carbon dioxide and water; it is the major pathway of oxidation in animal, bacterial, and plant cells, and it releases energy |
Oxaloacetic Acid | A four-carbon compound of Krebs cycle that combines with acetyl CoA to form a citric acid |
Citric Acid | A six-carbon compound formed in the Krebs cycle |
FAD | Flavin adenine dinucleotide, a compound that acts as a hydrogen acceptor in dehydrogenation reactions |