Energy Basics
What is the main energy currency of the cell?
ATP
Where in the cell does glycolysis occur?
Cytoplasm
In which organelle does aerobic respiration occur?
Mitochondria
What type of respiration happens when oxygen is absent?
Anaerobic respiration
Why do athletes breathe heavily after intense exercise?
To take in more oxygen for aerobic respiration
Which organelle is called the “powerhouse of the cell”?
Mitochondria
What is the starting molecule of glycolysis?
Glucose
About how many ATP are made from one glucose in aerobic respiration?
~36 ATP
What is the net ATP yield in anaerobic respiration?
2 ATP
What real-life activity often causes lactic acid build-up in muscles?
Sprinting or vigorous exercise
Why do cells need energy?
To perform functions like movement, transport, and growth
What are the end products of glycolysis?
2 pyruvate, 2 ATP (net), 2 NADH
What gas is required for aerobic respiration?
Oxygen
What by-product causes muscle cramps in humans?
Lactic acid
How is anaerobic respiration in yeast used in food production?
Alcohol fermentation (bread, beer, wine)
Which type of respiration produces more ATP: aerobic or anaerobic?
Aerobic respiration
How many net ATP are produced in glycolysis?
2 ATP
What waste products are released in aerobic respiration?
Carbon dioxide and water
What by-products are made by yeast in anaerobic respiration?
Alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide
Why is energy important for students in school?
It powers the brain and body for learning and activities
Why is oxygen important in cellular respiration?
It acts as the final electron acceptor, enabling full ATP production
Why is glycolysis considered the first step of cellular respiration?
It breaks down glucose into pyruvate for later stages
Why does aerobic respiration produce more ATP than anaerobic respiration?
Oxygen allows complete glucose breakdown
Why is anaerobic respiration less efficient than aerobic respiration?
Glucose is only partially broken down
How can learning about respiration help us value our health?
It teaches us to eat well, exercise, and use energy wisely