Cellular Respiration: Critical Thinking Questions
Name __________________
1. In what part of the cell does glycolysis take place?
In the cytosol
2. List the reactants and products of glycolysis.
Reactants: 1 glucose, 2 NAD+, 2 ATP
Products: 2 pyruvate, 2 NADH, 4 ATP
3. Describe the event that occurs when pyruvate enters the mitochondria?
When the pyruvate passes through the inner mitochondrial membrane, enzymes detach a CO2 molecule,
remove two electrons and transfer them to NAD+, and attach a coenzyme A molecule to the remaining
acetyl group, forming Acetyl CoA. This process oxidizes pyruvate.
4. In what major area of the mitochondria does the Citric Acid Cycle take place?
In the mitochondrial matrix (inside both membranes)
5. List the reactants and products of the Citric Acid Cycle.
Reactant: Acetyl CoA (and NAD+, FAD, ADP + P) Products: 2 CO2, 3 NADH, 1 FADH2, 2 ATP
6. Identify the major structure or area where the Electron Transport Chain takes place?
Inside the inner mitochondrial membrane
7. What sub atomic particle is transferred to the Electron Transport Chain from the Citric Acid Cycle?
Electrons (via NADH and FADH2)
8. What reactant molecule from outside the cell is essential for electron transport to occur?
Oxygen (O2 gas)
9. What molecule is the final acceptor of the electrons from the ETC?
Oxygen (O2 gas)
10. Describe two main functions of the ETC.
1) To create a proton (H+) gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane
2) To recycle NADH and FADH2 back to NAD+ and FAD to be reused in glycolysis and the Citric
Acid Cycle
Application Problems:
1. If a person moved from San Diego, CA to Estes Park, CO (elevation 7500 ft.), what would be the
effect on cellular respiration for this person?
2.
In terms of cellular respiration, why is it necessary to incorporate plants into a terrarium along
with fauna (animals)?
3. What effect might smoking cigarettes have on cellular respiration?
4. Describe any disease symptoms that might be related to the interference or interruption of the
processes of cellular respiration.
5. According to your understanding of cellular respiration, what could be happening when a
marathon runner must revert to walking?