Stages of aerobic respiration

[Stick]

I know that you aren't required to go into that much detail when describing these, but exactly how much detail are you required to give? Could someone perhaps provide an example response? Thanks.

[pi]

Even something like this would be enough detail:
"In glycolysis, glucose is converted into 2 pyruvate molecules. There is a production of 2 net ATP, as 4 are produced but two are used in the process."

VCAA doesn't really care about the electron carriers that are produced along the way. Sure, put them in if you want to, just don't get it wrong while you do so.

[Shenz0r]

I think a general overview of what's happening, and knowledge of inputs + outputs is good enough.

If you find yourself talking about Hexokinase and Glyceraldehyde-6-Phosphate in glycolysis, Oxalocitrate, Citrate, and Isocitrate, in Kreb's Cycle, and then proton gradients in electron transport, then you're giving much more detail than is required (and will lose marks if you get a detail wrong)

[Yacoubb]

Glycolysis -
* Location: cytosol of the intracellular aqueous environment.
* A glucose molecule is broken down into two 3-C pyruvate molecules.
* NADH is formed from NAD as a H⁺ is accepted by NAD.
* 4 ATP molecules are produced; two are used by the process.
* Net production output of 2 ATP molecules/ glucose molecule.

Kreb's Citric Acid Cycle:
* Location: matrix of the mitochondria
* For every pyruvate molecule passing through Kreb's Cycle, 3 CO₂ molecules are formed.
* One of the intermediate products is acetyl co-enzyme A.
* 4NADH and 1FADH₂ molecules are formed.
* Production of 2 ATP molecules/ glucose molecule.

Electron Transport Chain:
* Location: the cristae of the mitochondria
* Electrons from the loaded carriers FADH₂ and NADH are brought to inner membrane.
* Electrons are transferred from one cytochrome to another.
* When oxygen combines with the electrons, O^2- is formed, and reactions with hydrogen ions to form water.
* As electrons pass through electron transport chain, energy is released.
* Energy yield is 32 ATP molecules/glucose molecule.

Energy Yield Total = 36-38 ATP molecules/ glucose molecule.

Probably learn the inputs and outputs also and you should be fine! It isn't expected that you know more than that in my opinion. Constructive criticism if I have actually said something wrong or that can be adjusted. I want to be criticised; VCAA assessors aren't exactly nice lol

[pi]

I want to be criticised; VCAA assessors aren't exactly nice lol

You said:
"* Energy yield is 32 ATP molecules/glucose molecule." (for ETC)

And then say:
"Energy Yield Total = 36-38 ATP molecules/ glucose molecule."

You don't explain where the variation for the total yield comes form as none of the ATP yields in any of your stages are variable. Inconsistency.

[Yacoubb]

You said:
"* Energy yield is 32 ATP molecules/glucose molecule." (for ETC)

And then say:
"Energy Yield Total = 36-38 ATP molecules/ glucose molecule."

You don't explain where the variation for the total yield comes form as none of the ATP yields in any of your stages are variable. Inconsistency.

Sorry I don't understand what you're saying? - do you mean my wording is inaccurate, my energy yield is wrong or...?

[pi]

I'm just saying, you can't give a variable total energy yield but give a constant yield for each stage Your ETC yield should be variable too

[Yacoubb]

I'm just saying, you can't give a variable total energy yield but give a constant yield for each stage Your ETC yield should be variable too

Oh I see.. so for the reactions of aerobic cellular respiration & the corresponding energy yields, I can only consistently state that there is a total energy yield of 36 ATP molecules/glucose molecule. I'd have to mention where there would be an additional 2 ATP molecules within aerobic respiration to state when 38 ATP molecules are produced per glucose molecule.

38 ATP molecules/glucose molecule are produced by heart, liver & kidney cells because their specialised functions require ample energy in order for these cells to effectively carry out their biological functions. From what I know, a cell produces 38 ATP molecules/glucose molecule because NADH enters the respiratory pathway (i.e. Kreb's Citric Acid Cycle) earlier than it does in aerobic cellular respiration that produces 36 ATP molecules/glucose molecule.

[Stick]

... Just say that the electron transport chain produces 32-34 ATP molecules per glucose molecule and you'll be fine.

[Yacoubb]

... Just say that the electron transport chain produces 32-34 ATP molecules per glucose molecule and you'll be fine.

Yeah I guess that's probably more simplified! Thanks.

[pi]

... Just say that the electron transport chain produces 32-34 ATP molecules per glucose molecule and you'll be fine.

Exactly what I was hinting at but I wanted you to work out the concise way -_-

[the girl at the rock show]

* NADH is formed from NAD as a H⁺ is accepted by NAD.

Just wanted to add here that it's NAD⁺