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Foundations of respiration and metabolism

Bioenergetics • Respiration

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Respiration consists of controlled chemical reactions that release energy from glucose.
  • The overall word equation is glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy, while the balanced symbol equation is C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O.
  • This process occurs continuously in mitochondria, sustaining cellular functions.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Why do synthesis reactions require energy?

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Synthesis reactions build larger, complex molecules and require energy input from respiration, aided by enzymes.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Respiration is exothermic: energy leaves the system as heat and chemical energy.

Metabolism equals all chemical reactions in a cell or organism; enzymes regulate the rate.

Mitochondria are the main site of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells.

Glucose is a hub molecule: storage (starch, glycogen), structure (cellulose), and building block for other molecules.

Lipids form from glycerol plus fatty acids and act as membrane components and energy stores.

Plants use glucose plus nitrate ions to synthesize amino acids for protein assembly.

Excess proteins are deaminated in the liver and converted to urea for safe excretion.

Fermentation is an anaerobic pathway that produces ethanol and carbon dioxide in yeast.

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