MAJOR FEATURES OF GLYCOLYSIS,

KREBS CYCLE, ELECTRON

TRANSPORT SYSTEM, AND
CHEMIOSMOSIS
For General Biology 1/ Grade 11
Quarter 2 / Week 6

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 FOREWORD

This self-learning kit (SLK) in General Biology 1 is

made to help you continue your learning about the different
major features of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport
system, and chemiosmosis.

It is our sincere aim to provide you with relevant

activities, exercises, and assessment that we believe would
be necessary in order for you to acquire the appropriate
information about the different major features of glycolysis,
Krebs cycle, electron transport system, and chemiosmosis.

Furthermore, this is made to help you enhance and

deepen your learning about adenosine triphosphate or ATP
and how it is produced and consumed. This would also
expound the concept of the role of oxygen in respiration and
describe pathways of electron flow in the absence of
oxygen.

The activities in this SLK are easily and carefully made for
you to enjoy while learning. Your eager and active
involvement in all these activities will really make a difference
for you.

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 OBJECTIVES:

K: identify the major features of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron

transport system, and chemiosmosis
S: explain the concept of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport
system, and chemiosmosis
A: value the importance of knowing the major features of glycolysis,
Krebs cycle, electron transport system, and chemiosmosis through
illustration

LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Distinguish major features of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport

system, and chemiosmosis (STEM_BIO11/12-IIa-j-8)

I. WHAT HAPPENED

PRE-ACTIVITY
Directions: Arrange the letters to form the correct word. Write
your answers in your answer sheet.

A. YRUTPEVA ________________________
B. GYSILCLYOS ________________________
C. MOSCMIOSIHES ________________________
D. NDRITOCHOMIA ________________________
E. AICEBRO RARESIOPITN________________________

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II. WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

DISCUSSION

GLYCOLYSIS
• Glycolysis is the first step in the breakdown of glucose to extract
energy for cellular metabolism.
• Glycolysis consists of an energy-requiring phase followed by an
energy-releasing phase.
• Glycolysis is a series of reactions that extract energy from
glucose by splitting it into two three-carbon molecules called
pyruvates.
• Glycolysis is an ancient metabolic pathway, meaning that it
evolved long ago, and it is found in the great majority of
organisms alive today.
• Glycolysis is the central pathway for the glucose catabolism in
which glucose (6-carbon compound) is converted into
pyruvate (3-carbon compound).
• Glycolysis takes place in both aerobic and anaerobic
organisms and is the first step towards the metabolism of
glucose.

Source:

Figure 1. Glycolosis. Source: https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=glycolysis&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=

X&ved=2ahUKEwjLzYznq7jrAhXlyosBHQVoD_0Q_AUoAXoECBQQAw&biw=1366&bih=576#imgrc=Vi6hoDPp
WAWdYM

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Highlights of Glycolysis

•The glycolytic sequence of reactions differs from one species to

the other in the mechanism of its regulation and the subsequent
metabolic fate of the pyruvate formed at the end of the process.
• In aerobic organisms, glycolysis is the prelude to the citric acid
cycle and the electron transport chain, which together release
most of the energy contained in glucose.
• It is also referred to as Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas or EMP
pathway, in honor of the pioneer workers in the field.
• A summary of the process of glycolysis can be written as follows:
C6H12O6 + 2ADP + 2Pi + 2NAD+ → 2C3H4O3 + 2H2O + 2ATP + 2NADH +
2H+
In words, the equation is written as:
Glucose + Adenosine diphosphate + Phosphate + Nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide
↓
Pyruvate + Water + Adenosine triphosphate + Nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide + Hydrogen ions

• The following are the enzymes that catalyze different steps

throughout the process of glycolysis:

1. Hexokinase
2. Phosphoglucoisomerase
3. Phosphofructokinase
4. Aldolase
5. Phosphotriose isomerase
6. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
7. Phosphoglycerate kinase
8. Phosphoglycerate mutase
9. Enolase
10. Pyruvate kinase
11.
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KREBS CYCLE
(Source: http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cellresp/krebs.html)

The Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and

generates a pool of chemical energy (ATP, NADH, and FADH2) from
the oxidation of pyruvate, the end product of glycolysis.

The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or the
tricarboxylic acid cycle, is at the center of cellular metabolism, playing
a starring role in both the process of energy production and
biosynthesis. It finishes the sugar-breaking job started in glycolysis and
fuels the production of ATP in the process. It is also a central hub in
biosynthetic reactions, providing intermediates that are used to build
amino acids and other molecules. The citric acid cycle enzymes are
found in all cells that use oxygen, and even in some cells that don't.

Pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria and loses carbon

dioxide to form acetyl-CoA, a 2-carbon molecule. When acetyl-CoA
is oxidized to carbon dioxide in the Krebs cycle, chemical energy is
released and captured in the form of NADH, FADH2, and ATP.

Figure 2. Krebs cycle. Source: http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cellr

esp/krebs.html

Powerhouse of Energy
The citric acid cycle provides the electrons that fuel the process
of oxidative phosphorylation—our major source of ATP and energy. As
the acetyl group is broken down, electrons are stored in the carrier
NADH, and delivered to Complex I. These electrons then fuel the
production of a proton gradient by two proton pumps: cytochrome
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bc1 and cytochrome c oxidase. This proton gradient then powers the
rotation of ATP synthase, building ATP. All of this action occurs in our
mitochondria—the citric acid cycle enzymes are inside the
mitochondria, and the protein pumps are in the mitochondrial
membrane.

Figure 3. Krebs cycle (Citric acid cycle). Source: https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=krebs+

cycle+diagram&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj7vsWAsLjrAhViL6YKHRmBBJ
oQ_AUoAXoECA4QAw&biw=1366&bih=576

ELECTRON TRANDSPORT SYSTEM

(Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-biology1/chapter/reading-electron-transport-chain/)

The electron transport chain is the last component of aerobic

respiration and is the only part of glucose metabolism that uses
atmospheric oxygen. Oxygen continuously diffuses into plants; in
animals, it enters the body through the respiratory system. Electron
transport is a series of redox reactions that resemble a relay race or
bucket brigade in that electrons are passed rapidly from one
component to the next, to the endpoint of the chain where the
electrons reduce molecular oxygen, producing water. There are four
complexes composed of proteins, labeled I through IV, and the
aggregation of these four complexes, together with associated
mobile, accessory electron carriers, is called the electron transport
chain. The electron transport chain is present in multiple copies in the
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inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotes and the plasma
membrane of prokaryotes. Note, however, that the electron transport
chain of prokaryotes may not require oxygen as some live in
anaerobic conditions. The common feature of all electron transport
chains is the presence of a proton pump to create a proton gradient
across a membrane.

Figure 4. Electron transport chain. The electron transport chain is a series of electron transporters
embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that shuttles electrons from NADH and FADH 2
to molecular oxygen. In the process, protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix to the
intermembrane space, and oxygen is reduced to form water.
Source: http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cellresp/oxidative.html

CHEMIOSMOSIS
(Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wmopen-nmbiology1/chapter/atp-in-living-systems/)

In chemiosmosis, the free energy from the series of redox

reactions just described is used to pump hydrogen ions (protons)
across the membrane. The uneven distribution of H+ ions across the
membrane establishes both concentration and electrical gradients
(thus, an electrochemical gradient), owing to the hydrogen ions’
positive charge and their aggregation on one side of the membrane.
If the membrane were open to diffusion by the hydrogen ions,
the ions would tend to diffuse back across into the matrix, driven by
their electrochemical gradient. Recall that many ions cannot diffuse
through the nonpolar regions of phospholipid membranes without the
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aid of ion channels. Similarly, hydrogen ions in the matrix space can
only pass through the inner mitochondrial membrane through an
integral membrane protein called ATP synthase.
Chemiosmosis is used to generate 90% of the ATP made during
aerobic glucose catabolism; it is also the method used in the light
reactions of photosynthesis to harness the energy of sunlight in the
process of photophosphorylation. Recall that the production of ATP
using the process of chemiosmosis in mitochondria is called oxidative
phosphorylation.
The overall result of these reactions is the production of ATP from
the energy of the electrons removed from hydrogen atoms. These
atoms were originally part of a glucose molecule. At the end of the
pathway, the electrons are used to reduce an oxygen molecule to
oxygen ions. The extra electrons on the oxygen attract hydrogen ions
(protons) from the surrounding medium, and water is formed.

ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the energy currency for cellular

processes. ATP provides the energy for both energy-consuming
endergonic reactions and energy-releasing exergonic reactions,
which require a small input of activation energy. When the chemical
bonds within ATP are broken, energy is released and can be
harnessed for cellular work. The more bonds in a molecule, the more
potential energy it contains. Because the bond in ATP is so easily
broken and reformed, ATP is like a rechargeable battery that powers
cellular process ranging from DNA replication to protein synthesis.
When ATP is broken down, usually by the removal of its terminal
phosphate group, energy is released. The energy is used to do work
by the cell, usually by the released phosphate binding to another
molecule, activating it. For example, in the mechanical work of
muscle contraction, ATP supplies the energy to move the contractile
muscle proteins. Recall the active transport work of the
sodiumpotassium pump in cell membranes. ATP alters the structure of
the integral protein that functions as the pump, changing its affinity for
sodium and potassium. In this way, the cell performs work, pumping
ions against their electrochemical gradients.
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 ACTIVITY
Directions: Analyze the images and statements below. Then, answer
the questions that follow. (5 points each)

A.

Figure 5. ATP synthase is a complex, molecular machine that uses a proton (H+) gradient to form
ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi). (Credit: modification of work by Klaus Hoffmeier)

Dinitrophenol (DNP) is an uncoupler that makes the inner

mitochondrial membrane leaky to protons. It was used until 1938 as a
weight-loss drug. What effect would you expect DNP to have on the
change in pH across the inner mitochondrial membrane? Why do
you think this might be an effective weight loss drug?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

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B.

Figure 6. In oxidative phosphorylation, the pH gradient formed by the electron transport chain is
used by ATP synthase to form ATP.

Cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a component of the

electron transport chain. If cyanide poisoning occurs, would you
expect the pH of the intermembrane space to increase or
decrease? What effect would cyanide have on ATP synthesis?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

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III. WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Directions: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if incorrect.

Write your answer on your notebook.
1. ATP provides the energy for both energy-consuming endergonic
reactions and energy-releasing exergonic reactions.
2. Chemiosmosis is used to generate 80% of the ATP made during
aerobic glucose catabolism.
3. The citric acid cycle provides the electrons that fuel the process of
oxidative phosphorylation.
4. The electron transport chain is the first component of aerobic
respiration and is the only part of glucose metabolism that uses
atmospheric oxygen.
5. In aerobic organisms, glycolysis is the prelude to the citric acid
cycle and the electron transport chain, which together release
most of the energy contained in glucose.
6. The electron transport chain is present in multiple copies in the inner
mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotes and the plasma
membrane of prokaryotes.
7. Glycolysis is a series of reactions that extract energy from glucose
by splitting it into two three-carbon molecules called pyruvates.
8. The citric acid cycle is also known as the Krebs cycle or the
tricarboxylic acid cycle.
9. The common feature of all electron transport chains is the
presence of a proton pump to create a proton gradient across a
membrane.
10. In chemiosmosis, the free energy from the series of redox reactions
just described is used to pump hydrogen ions (protons) across the
membrane.

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REFERENCES
https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=glycolysis&source=lnms&tbm=isch
&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjLzYznq7jrAhXlyosBHQVoD_0Q_AUoAXoECBQQAw&
biw=1366&bih=576#imgrc=Vi6hoDPpWAWdYM

https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=diagram+glycolysis&tbm=isch&hl=
en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji1Ojpq7jrAhVGb5QKHbU8BuEQrNwCKAB6BQgBEI
AC&biw=1349&bih=576#imgrc=ZdvbUkJ1t0hKtM

https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=krebs+cycle+diagram&hl=en&sou
rce=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj7vsWAsLjrAhViL6YKHRmBBJoQ_
AUoAXoECA4QAw&biw=1366&bih=576
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/cellular-respiration-
andfermentation/glycolysis/a/glycolysis
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cellresp/kre
bs.html
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cellresp/oxi
dative.html
https://pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/154
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-
biology1/chapter/readingelectron-transport-chain/

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SYNOPSIS

This self-learning kit (SLK) targets

on the different major features of glycolysis,
Krebs cycle, electron transport
system, and chemiosmosis. It will help
learners distinguish the process of each
with the aid of illustrations.
This SLK provides various exercises that
will deepen learners’ understanding
on the lesson.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MA. OFELIA I. BUSCATO, RN, LPT is a Registered Nurse and a

Licensed Professional Teacher. She is currently teaching in
the Senior High School Department at Ong Che Tee
Bacong High School, Sacsac, Bacong, Negros Oriental.
She completed her Comprehensive Academic
Requirements (CAR) in Master of Education major in
General Science at Foundation University.

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