Aerobic Respiration (Leaving Cert Biology): Flashcards

What is aerobic respiration?

Enzyme-controlled release of energy from food using oxygen

Aerobic respiration equation (words)

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP

Two stages of aerobic respiration

1. Glycolysis
2. Krebs cycle & electron transport chain

Where does glycolysis occur?

Cytosol

Is glycolysis aerobic or anaerobic?

Anaerobic (does not require oxygen)

ATP yield from glycolysis

2 ATP molecules per glucose

What is glucose broken down into during glycolysis?

Two pyruvic acid molecules (3-carbon molecules)

Where does Stage 2 of aerobic respiration occur?

Mitochondria

Does Stage 2 require oxygen?

Yes, it is aerobic

What does pyruvic acid convert to in mitochondria?

Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA)

Function of cristae in mitochondria

Increase surface area for more reactions & energy production

What are the breakdown products of the Krebs cycle?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O)

What is the role of NADH?

Carries high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain

Final electron acceptor in electron transport chain

Oxygen

Three main products of aerobic respiration

ATP, CO₂, H₂O