AP Biology Flashcards: Cellular Respiration
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 24 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the primary function of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC)?
The ETC transfers electrons from NADH and FADH2 to a terminal electron acceptor, establishing a proton gradient.
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What is the primary function of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC)?
The ETC transfers electrons from NADH and FADH2 to a terminal electron acceptor, establishing a proton gradient.
Where does the Krebs cycle occur?
The Krebs cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.
What powers the synthesis of ATP during oxidative phosphorylation?
The proton gradient established across the inner mitochondrial membrane drives ATP synthesis.
What is oxidative phosphorylation?
It is the process where a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane drives ATP synthesis.
What is the direct result of electron transfer along the ETC?
The transfer of electrons through the ETC establishes a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
How do cells obtain energy from biological macromolecules?
Cells obtain energy from biological macromolecules through processes like cellular respiration to power cellular functions.
What is glycolysis?
Glycolysis is a biochemical pathway that releases energy from glucose to form ATP, NADH, and pyruvate.
What two processes for synthesizing ATP are characteristic of all life forms?
Cellular respiration and fermentation are processes that synthesize ATP and are characteristic of all life forms.
What is the terminal electron acceptor in aerobic respiration?
In aerobic respiration, the terminal electron acceptor is oxygen.
How do mitochondrial structures enable organisms to use energy?
The inner mitochondrial membrane allows for the establishment of a proton gradient, which drives ATP synthesis.
What is the nature of the reactions in aerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration in eukaryotes involves a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that capture energy from macromolecules.
In the absence of oxygen, how can a cell continue to generate ATP from glucose?
Fermentation allows glycolysis to continue, which synthesizes ATP without requiring oxygen.
What is the purpose of fermentation?
Fermentation allows glycolysis to continue in the absence of oxygen.
What is the fate of carbon atoms from pyruvate during the Krebs cycle?
During the Krebs cycle, the oxidation of pyruvate releases CO2.
What is the overall goal of cellular respiration?
The goal is to synthesize ATP from the energy stored in biological macromolecules to power cellular functions.
What are the three main products of glycolysis?
The main products formed from the energy released from glucose during glycolysis are ATP, NADH, and pyruvate.
What are some possible products of fermentation?
Fermentation produces organic molecules, such as alcohol or lactic acid.
What molecules transfer electrons from glycolysis and the Krebs cycle to the ETC?
Electrons from glycolysis and the Krebs cycle are transferred by NADH and FADH2 to the ETC.
What is the source of the electrons carried by NADH and FADH2?
The electrons come from the breakdown of glucose during glycolysis and the oxidation of pyruvate in the Krebs cycle.
How are glycolysis and the Krebs cycle linked to the ETC?
Both pathways produce NADH and FADH2, which transfer electrons to the ETC.
What happens to pyruvate after glycolysis in aerobic respiration?
Pyruvate is transported to the mitochondrion, where its oxidation occurs in the Krebs cycle.
What are the key outputs of the Krebs cycle?
The Krebs cycle releases CO2, synthesizes ATP, and transfers electrons to form NADH and FADH2.
Trace the path of energy from a glucose molecule to ATP in aerobic respiration.
Energy from glucose is transferred to NADH/FADH2 via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, then used by the ETC to create a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.
Where is the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) located?
The ETC is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.