Components that relate to Cellular Energy Production and Respiration

The notes in this series on cellular microbiology are all created using ChatGpt. So do cross check and verify on your own too

1. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

What it is: ATP is the main energy currency of the cell. Think of it as a rechargeable battery that powers cellular activities.

What it does: It provides the energy needed for cells to perform tasks like movement, division, and growth by breaking down into ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) and releasing energy.

2. Glycolysis

What it is: This is the first step in cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down.

What it does: It occurs in the cytoplasm and converts one molecule of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate. This process produces a small amount of energy—2 ATP and 2 NADH.

Anaerobic or aerobic: Glycolysis can happen without oxygen, making it an anaerobic process.

3. Pyruvate

What it is: Pyruvate is the product of glycolysis, a molecule with 3 carbon atoms.

What it does: Pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria (if oxygen is available) for further breakdown in the citric acid cycle or stays in the cytoplasm for fermentation (if no oxygen is available).

4. NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

What it is: NADH is an electron carrier.

What it does: It carries high-energy electrons (from glycolysis and the citric acid cycle) to the electron transport chain, where these electrons are used to produce more ATP. NADH is like a delivery truck for energy in the cell.

5. FADH₂ (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide)

What it is: Another electron carrier, similar to NADH.

What it does: FADH₂ is produced during the citric acid cycle and also transports electrons to the electron transport chain, where it helps generate ATP.

6. Lactic Acid

What it is: Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic respiration in animal cells (like muscles during heavy exercise).

What it does: When cells don’t get enough oxygen to fully break down glucose, they produce lactic acid. This can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness, but it’s a temporary way for the body to keep producing energy when oxygen is low.

7. Alcohol

What it is: Alcohol (specifically ethanol) is a byproduct of anaerobic fermentation in yeast and some bacteria.

What it does: In the absence of oxygen, yeast breaks down glucose into alcohol and carbon dioxide, a process used in brewing and winemaking.

8. Yeast

What it is: Yeast is a type of fungus (a single-celled organism) that’s often used in baking and brewing.

What it does: Yeast can perform both aerobic respiration (with oxygen) and anaerobic fermentation (without oxygen). When oxygen is available, yeast efficiently produces ATP, and when it’s not, it ferments sugar into alcohol and CO₂.

9. Bacteria

What they are: Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms. They come in many types, with various roles in ecosystems and human health.

What they do: Some bacteria perform aerobic respiration just like animal cells, while others rely on anaerobic respiration or fermentation. Certain bacteria, for example, produce lactic acid (as in yogurt-making) or methane (as in swamps or the gut).