π Topic Summary
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert nutrients into energy in the form of ATP. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins can all be used as fuel, but they enter the process at different points. Carbohydrates are typically broken down into glucose, which enters glycolysis. Fats are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids; glycerol can enter glycolysis, while fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to form acetyl-CoA. Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which can be converted into intermediates of glycolysis or the Krebs cycle. The complete oxidation of these molecules ultimately generates ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Think of it like different ingredients being used in the same energy-making recipe! π§βπ³
π§ͺ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Glycolysis |
A. Process that breaks down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA |
| 2. Krebs Cycle |
B. Process that breaks down glucose into pyruvate |
| 3. Beta-oxidation |
C. A series of chemical reactions that extract energy from acetyl-CoA |
| 4. ATP |
D. The primary energy currency of the cell |
| 5. Amino Acids |
E. Building blocks of proteins |
𧬠Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words: glucose, acetyl-CoA, ATP, proteins, fats.
Cellular respiration utilizes various biomolecules to generate energy. ________ are often broken down into ________ which then enters glycolysis. ________ are broken down into fatty acids, which are converted into ________. ________ are broken down into amino acids, which can enter the cycle at various points. The main goal is to produce ________.
π€ Part C: Critical Thinking
If a person's diet is severely lacking in carbohydrates, how would their body compensate to provide energy for cellular respiration?