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3.1 Cellular Respiration 💪🏻

cellular respiration

Introduction to cellular respiration

Cellular respiration is a core JC2 topic in H2 BIOLOGY in A levels. This is a very important process that the cell relies on to get energy in the form of ATP, the hydrolysis of which drives the metabolic processes. It comprises processes such as glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. These processes occur in the cytoplasm, mitochondrial matrix and the latter between matrix, intermembrane space and the inner mitochondrial membrane respectively.

Prerequisites for this topic includes cell organelles (the basic microanatomy of the mitochondria), enzymes (think of using conversions based upon a series of enzyme reactions) and will build into photosynthesis (exam assays frequently cover both topics) as well as diversity & evolution (under the biochemical data section if homology)

Materials for cellular respiration

  • Website with concise information on how to account for protons (H+) movement across the ETC.
  • Website that shows the full Glycolysis pathway.
  • Video of a quick overview of cellular respiration
  • Download diagrams (high resolution) – FREE!
  • Purchase notes (including phrasing error corrections & review question solutions) for cellular respiration.
  • BUY FULL pre-recorded class ⌲ includes 1 video, 1 concept map, 1 set of notes.

Phrasing errors

  • Link reaction and Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondria.
  • One of the electron carriers in the electron transport chain is a proton pump.
  • Fermentation produces only 2 ATP molecules which is why it has a low yield compared to aerobic respiration.
  • ATP synthase accepts electrons and is part of the ETC.

Exam tips

  • This topic is tied closely to photosynthesis, establish their relationship when you prep for essays.
  • Default to conversion rates for 2.5/1.5 ATP per NADH/FADH2 since majority of TYS use this rate.
  • Either NAD+/NADH or NAD/reduced NAD is fine.
  • Electron carriers are proteins.
  • Ethanal = acetaldehyde.