Respiration Circuit Station Cards Walk-Around Lab
Cellular Respiration Circuit
Station Cards (Set 1 of 4) • Questions 1–7
01
The Master Blueprint: Equations & Overview
Big picture energy transformation and chemical equations
Questions 1–3
Chemical Formulas
Photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Cellular Respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
Location #3 Cytoplasm Location #15 Mitochondrion Produces ATP (#13)
Station Briefing: Cells harvest energy from organic molecules. Cellular respiration reverses the chemical flow of photosynthesis, breaking down glucose in the presence of oxygen to recharge adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Question 1 (Diagram Labeling):
Identify the two major cellular locations where cellular respiration takes place (Labels #3 and #15 on your diagram).
Question 2 (Word Equation):
Write the cellular respiration equation in words using the blanks on your handout. State the 2 reactants and 3 products.
Question 3 (Biological Purpose):
Complete the prompt from the diagram: "The purpose of cell respiration is to _______________." Explain why cells need ATP.
02
Glycolysis: Splitting Sugar in the Cytoplasm
The first stage of glucose breakdown occurring outside the mitochondria
Questions 4–7
Diagram Focus: Cytoplasm (#3)
Location #3: Cytoplasm Glucose Process #8 (Glycolysis) #17 Box #1 #11 ATP
"Glyco" (sugar) + "lysis" (splitting)
Station Briefing: Glycolysis is an ancient anaerobic metabolic pathway common to almost all living organisms. One 6-carbon glucose molecule is cleaved into two 3-carbon compounds while reducing NAD+ and generating net ATP.
Question 4 (Process & Input):
What is the specific name of process #8, and what starting 6-carbon sugar feeds directly into it?
Question 5 (Outputs & ATP Yield):
Identify the 3-carbon output molecule at #17 and the exact net ATP quantity produced at #11.
Question 6 (Electron Carriers):
Yellow box #1 receives energized electrons from glycolysis. Name this electron carrier molecule from your word bank.
Question 7 (Process Analysis):
Does glycolysis require oxygen? Why can prokaryotes perform glycolysis even though they lack mitochondria?
Walk-Around Lab
Cellular Respiration Circuit
Station Cards (Set 2 of 4) • Questions 8–14
03
The Oxygen Fork: Aerobic vs. Fermentation
How cells respond to oxygen presence or deprivation
Questions 8–11
The Decision Crossroads
Glycolysis Produces Pyruvate #16 O₂ ?? Mitochondria 36–38 ATP #10 O₂ ?? Process #9 (Fermentation) Only 2 Net ATP!
Word Bank Options: "with" vs. "without"
Station Briefing: When oxygen is abundant, pyruvate enters the mitochondria for complete oxidation. In anaerobic conditions (or intense muscle strain), cells take an emergency exit route to keep glycolysis alive.
Question 8 (Diagram Labeling):
Which word goes with label #16 (entering mitochondrion) and label #10 (diverting downward)? Choose from "with" or "without" .
Question 9 (Process Identification):
What emergency metabolic process is label #9? In which cellular compartment does this process occur?
Question 10 (Comparing Conditions):
Compare the total ATP yield of fermentation pathway (#11) to aerobic respiration (#13). Why is aerobic respiration ~18x more efficient?
Question 11 (Physiological Connection):
During a 400m sprint, human muscle cells run low on oxygen. What organic acid accumulates, and why must NAD+ be regenerated?
04
Entering the Powerhouse: Mitochondrial Anatomy
Structure, membranes, and the gateway for pyruvate
Questions 12–14
Diagram Focus: Label #15
Label #15 ("entire thing") #17 Pyruvate Mitochondrial Matrix
Double-membrane organelle of eukaryotic cells
Station Briefing: The mitochondrion is wrapped in two distinct lipid bilayers. The smooth outer membrane encloses the organelle, while the intricately folded inner membrane creates cristae that maximize surface area for ATP synthesis machinery.
Question 12 (Diagram Labeling):
What organelle is represented by label #15 ("entire thing"), and which specific molecule (#17) crosses its outer membrane from glycolysis?
Question 13 (Structural Adaptation):
Identify the two major internal regions: the fluid-filled matrix and folded cristae . How does folding of the inner membrane benefit cellular respiration?
Question 14 (Transition Analysis):
Before entering cycle #4, each 3-carbon pyruvate loses one carbon as CO₂ and attaches to Coenzyme A to form Acetyl-CoA. How many Acetyl-CoA molecules are made per original glucose?
Walk-Around Lab
Cellular Respiration Circuit
Station Cards (Set 3 of 4) • Questions 15–22
05
The Krebs Cycle: Carbon Dismantling Wheel
Matrix reactions stripping electrons and releasing carbon dioxide
Questions 15–18
Diagram Focus: Cycle #4
Cycle #4 (Both Names!) Box #2 (Carriers) #7 #12 ATP
Occurs in the fluid matrix of the mitochondrion
Station Briefing: The Krebs cycle thoroughly dismantles carbon skeletons from food. As carbons are released as waste gas, high-energy electrons are loaded onto carrier coenzymes for transport to the inner membrane.
Question 15 (Diagram Labeling - Both Names):
What is the dual name of cycle #4? (Give the common name and the organic acid name from the word bank).
Question 16 (Waste Gas Output):
Identify the waste gas exiting at #7. How does this gas travel from your muscle cells to the outside air?
Question 17 (ATP Yield):
How many total ATP molecules are produced directly at label #12 for every original glucose molecule?
Question 18 (Process Analysis):
Box #2 carries the primary harvest of the Krebs cycle. Name these electron carrier molecules and explain where they are traveling.
06
The Electron Transport Chain & ATP Synthase
Membrane proton pumping, chemiosmosis, and oxygen's role
Questions 19–22
Diagram Focus: Box #6
e⁻ Carriers Box #6 (Electron Transport Chain) ATP Synthase #14 H₂O #5 ATP
Oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor
Station Briefing: The ETC uses high-energy electrons dropped off by NADH and FADH₂ to pump H⁺ ions across the inner membrane. When protons rush back through ATP synthase, ADP is recharged into massive amounts of ATP.
Question 19 (Diagram Labeling):
What major multi-protein structure is represented by purple box #6?
Question 20 (Reactant & Byproduct):
What vital gas acts as the final electron acceptor at the end of the chain, and what harmless byproduct is released at #14?
Question 21 (Enzyme Action):
What is the name of the molecular turbine enzyme labeled on the right, and how does the proton (H⁺) gradient power it?
Question 22 (Process Analysis):
How do stages 1 (Glycolysis) and 2 (Krebs Cycle) directly fuel stage 3 (ETC)? Mention carriers #1 and #2.
Walk-Around Lab
Cellular Respiration Circuit
Station Cards (Set 4 of 4) • Questions 23–25 & Reference
07
The Grand Energy Audit & Toxin Synthesis
Calculating total ATP yield and predicting disruptions to cellular metabolism
Questions 23–25
ATP Yield Breakdown
Glycolysis (Net): 2 ATP
Krebs Cycle: 2 ATP
ETC & Synthase (#5): 32–34 ATP
Grand Total (#13): 36–38 ATP
Station Briefing: By capturing energy in small, controlled biochemical steps rather than burning glucose all at once, eukaryotic cells maximize ATP generation while preventing damaging heat spikes.
Question 23 (ETC Specific Yield):
According to your word bank, how many ATP are produced specifically by the electron transport chain at label #5?
Question 24 (Grand Total Accounting):
What is the total number of ATP produced in complete aerobic respiration (label #13)? Show the sum of all 3 stages.
Question 25 (Toxin Disruption Analysis):
Cyanide blocks Cytochrome c oxidase in the ETC (#6). Predict what happens to ATP synthesis and explain why victims suffer asphyxiation even with full oxygen.
Reference
Master Cellular Respiration Diagram with Label Numbers 1–17
Cross-Check Your Station Answers Here
3 (location?) 8 (process) Name of process? 17 1 10 O₂ ?? 9 (process) 11 (entire thing) 15 16 O₂ ?? 4 (both names) 2 7 12 6 ATP (enzyme) synthase 14 5 13 total ATP made in this process
Diagram reference based on standard biology curriculum manipulatives.
Respiration Circuit Student Worksheet Station Walk-Around Lab
Cellular Respiration Circuit
Student Investigation Packet
Page 1 of 3
Name:
Date:
Period:
Official Word Bank Words may be used for diagram labels 1–17 and station questions
2 ATP (used 2x) 32–34 ATP 36–38 total ATP CO₂ cytoplasm (used 2x) e⁻ carriers NADH/ FADH₂ Electron Transport Chain fermentation glucose glycolysis H₂O Krebs (citric acid) cycle make ATP mitochondrion (used 2x) pyruvate (pyruvic acid) with without
Cellular Respiration Manipulative Diagram (Labels 1–17) Refer to this diagram at every station
Location #3 #8 Process 17 Box 1 10 (O₂ ??) #9 (process) 11 15 (entire thing) 16 (O₂ ??) #4 (both names) Box 2 7 12 Box 6 ATP Synthase 14 5 13 total ATP made in this process
Station 1: The Master Blueprint (Equations & Purpose) Questions 1–3
1. Cellular Locations: State the two organelle/cell compartments where cellular respiration occurs:
Label #3:
Label #15:
2. Word Equation: Fill in the word equation for cellular respiration:
3. Purpose of Cellular Respiration: Complete the prompt and explain why cells require continuous ATP:
Station 2: Glycolysis in the Cytoplasm Questions 4–7
4. Process #8 & Starting Sugar:
Name process #8 and its 6-carbon input:
5. Output #17 & ATP Yield #11:
Name product #17 and net ATP #11:
6. Electron Carrier Box #1:
Identify electron carrier leaving glycolysis:
7. Oxygen Need & Evolution:
Is O₂ required? Why can bacteria do this?
Cellular Respiration Circuit • Stations 3–5
Questions 8–18 • Page 2 of 3
03 Station 3: Aerobic vs. Fermentation Pathways
Questions 8–11
8. Diagram Labels #16 & #10:
Label #16 (to mitochondria): with / without O₂?
Label #10 (to box #9): with / without O₂?
9. Process #9 & Cellular Location:
Name process #9 from your word bank and state the cellular compartment where it takes place:
10. Comparing Conditions & Efficiency:
Compare ATP yield of fermentation pathway (#11) to complete aerobic respiration (#13). Why is aerobic respiration vastly more efficient?
11. Physiological Application (Muscle Sprint):
What specific acid accumulates in human muscles during strenuous sprinting without enough O₂, and why must NAD⁺ be recycled?
04 Station 4: Entering the Mitochondrion
Questions 12–14
12. Organelle #15 & Entering Molecule #17:
Name structure #15 ("entire thing") and identify which molecule (#17) enters it from the cytoplasm:
13. Structure & Adaptation (Matrix vs. Cristae):
Describe the mitochondrial matrix and folded inner cristae. How does folding of the inner membrane benefit ATP production?
14. Pyruvate Transition Step:
Before entering cycle #4, pyruvate is converted to Acetyl-CoA. How many Acetyl-CoA molecules are produced per original glucose?
05 Station 5: The Krebs Cycle
Questions 15–18
15. Dual Name of Cycle #4:
Provide both names from the word bank:
16. Waste Gas #7 & Elimination:
Name gas #7 and how the body vents it:
17. Direct ATP Yield #12:
How many ATP are made at #12 per glucose?
18. Electron Carriers Box #2:
Name molecules in #2 and their destination:
Cellular Respiration Circuit • Stations 6–7 & Synthesis
Questions 19–25 • Page 3 of 3
06 Station 6: The Electron Transport Chain & ATP Synthase
Questions 19–22
19. Purple Box #6:
Name the protein complex at label #6:
20. Final Acceptor & Byproduct #14:
State final electron acceptor and molecule #14:
21. ATP Synthase Enzyme Mechanism:
What is the role of ATP synthase, and how does the proton (H⁺) gradient across the inner membrane drive its catalytic rotation?
22. Process Interconnection Analysis:
Explain how Glycolysis (stage 1) and Krebs (stage 2) are biochemically linked to the ETC (stage 3) through electron carriers #1 and #2:
07 Station 7: The Grand Energy Audit & Toxin Synthesis
Questions 23–25
23. ETC Specific Yield (#5):
How many ATP are made specifically at #5?
24. Grand Total ATP (#13):
State total ATP #13 and sum of 3 stages:
25. Toxin Disruption (Cyanide Action):
Cyanide blocks Cytochrome c oxidase in the ETC (#6). Predict what happens to ATP synthesis, oxygen consumption, and why cells quickly die even when oxygen is present in the lungs:
Diagram Master Check: Labels 1–17 Quick Index Ensure all 17 diagram labels from the PDF are verified
1: e⁻ carriers NADH
2: e⁻ carriers NADH/FADH₂
3: cytoplasm
4: Krebs (citric acid) cycle
5: 32–34 ATP
6: Electron Transport Chain
7: CO₂
8: glycolysis
9: fermentation
10: without (O₂)
11: 2 ATP
12: 2 ATP
13: 36–38 total ATP
14: H₂O
15: mitochondrion
16: with (O₂)
17: pyruvate (pyruvic acid)
Respiration Circuit Teacher Guide Educator Facilitation Packet
Cellular Respiration Circuit • Teacher Guide
Pacing, Setup & Misconceptions
Page 1 of 2
Target Grade Biology (Gr 9–12)
Total Duration 50–60 Minutes
Structure 7 Stations • 25 Qs
NGSS Alignment HS-LS1-7
Classroom Station Architecture & Logistics
Physical Arrangement:
Print the 4 pages of Station Cards . Post Stations 1–7 around the perimeter of the classroom or on lab tables in numerical sequence. Station 7 includes the complete master reference diagram for students who need to synthesize global relationships.
Group Rotation & Timing:
Divide students into teams of 3–4. Allocate 6–7 minutes per station . Use a chime or timer for synchronized rotation. Have students carry clipboards with their 3-page Student Worksheet .
Station Mapping & Concept Trajectory
Station 1 (Q1–3): Overview, chemical/word equations, biological purpose of ATP (Labels #3, #15) Cytoplasm & Mitochondria
Station 2 (Q4–7): Glycolysis, glucose splitting, pyruvate (#17), NADH (#1), net 2 ATP (#11) Cytoplasm
Station 3 (Q8–11): Aerobic (#16) vs. anaerobic (#10), fermentation (#9), lactate, efficiency gap Cytoplasm Branch
Station 4 (Q12–14): Mitochondrial anatomy (#15), outer/inner membrane, matrix, cristae, Acetyl-CoA Mitochondria Gateway
Station 5 (Q15–18): Krebs / citric acid cycle (#4), CO₂ waste (#7), 2 ATP (#12), NADH/FADH₂ (#2) Mitochondrial Matrix
Station 6 (Q19–22): ETC (#6), ATP Synthase, oxygen final acceptor, H₂O (#14), stage linkage Inner Cristae Membrane
Station 7 (Q23–25): Energy accounting: ETC yield 32–34 (#5), Grand total 36–38 (#13), Cyanide toxin Grand Synthesis
Common Student Misconceptions
"Respiration is breathing:" Students confuse macroscopic gas exchange (ventilation) with intracellular ATP synthesis.
"Plants only do photosynthesis:" Remind students plants possess mitochondria and constantly respire.
"Fermentation makes lots of ATP:" Fermentation produces 0 additional ATP beyond the 2 from glycolysis; its purpose is NAD⁺ recycling.
"Oxygen becomes CO₂:" Oxygen atoms in inspired O₂ end up in water (H₂O) at the ETC; carbon dioxide comes from broken glucose!
Prompt students at Stations 3 and 6 to trace oxygen atoms carefully.
Differentiation & Accommodations
Support / Scaffolding: Direct students to the Word Bank box on Page 1 of their worksheet. Allow pairing with a peer buddy to verify diagram labels 1–17.
Visual Learners: Have students color-code their diagram on Page 1 (cyan for cytoplasm, yellow for mitochondria, purple for ETC).
Extension / Honors / AP: Challenge students at Station 7 to calculate ATP yield using 2.5 ATP/NADH and 1.5 ATP/FADH₂ modern stoichiometry.
Answer key on page 2 provides point values and full grading criteria.
Master Key
Cellular Respiration Circuit • Complete Answer Key
Questions 1–25 Solutions • Page 2 of 2
Station 1: The Master Blueprint (Questions 1–3)
Q1 [2 pts]: Location #3 = cytoplasm ; Location #15 = mitochondrion .
Q2 [3 pts]: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + 36–38 total ATP . (Reactants: glucose, oxygen; Products: CO₂, H₂O, ATP).
Q3 [2 pts]: "to make ATP" . ATP powers active transport, protein synthesis, muscle contraction, and division.
Station 2: Glycolysis in the Cytoplasm (Questions 4–7)
Q4 [2 pts]: Process #8 = glycolysis ; Input = glucose (6-carbon).
Q5 [2 pts]: Product #17 = pyruvate (pyruvic acid) ; Yield #11 = 2 ATP (net).
Q6 [2 pts]: Box #1 = e⁻ carriers NADH/ FADH₂ (specifically NADH).
Q7 [2 pts]: No O₂ needed (anaerobic). Prokaryotes have cytoplasm where all enzymes reside.
Station 3: Aerobic vs. Fermentation Pathways (Questions 8–11)
Q8 [2 pts]: Label #16 = with (O₂); Label #10 = without (O₂).
Q9 [2 pts]: Process #9 = fermentation ; Compartment = cytoplasm .
Q10 [2 pts]: Fermentation yield = 2 net ATP vs. aerobic = 36–38 ATP. Aerobic completely oxidizes pyruvate.
Q11 [2 pts]: Lactic acid (lactate) accumulates. NADH must dump electrons so NAD⁺ is freed for glycolysis.
Station 4: Entering the Mitochondrion (Questions 12–14)
Q12 [2 pts]: Organelle #15 = mitochondrion ; Entering molecule #17 = pyruvate (pyruvic acid) .
Q13 [2 pts]: Matrix = central fluid; Cristae = folded inner membrane. Folds dramatically increase surface area for ETC proteins & ATP synthase.
Q14 [2 pts]: 2 Acetyl-CoA molecules (one per 3-carbon pyruvate from each split glucose).
Station 5: The Krebs Cycle (Questions 15–18)
Q15 [2 pts]: Cycle #4 = Krebs (citric acid) cycle (accepts Krebs cycle or citric acid cycle).
Q16 [2 pts]: Waste gas #7 = CO₂ (carbon dioxide). Diffuses into blood, exhaled through lungs.
Q17 [2 pts]: Label #12 = 2 ATP (1 ATP per turn of the cycle × 2 turns per glucose).
Q18 [2 pts]: Box #2 = e⁻ carriers NADH/ FADH₂ . Transport high-energy electrons to the ETC (#6).
Station 6: Electron Transport Chain & ATP Synthase (Questions 19–22)
Q19 [2 pts]: Box #6 = Electron Transport Chain .
Q20 [2 pts]: Final acceptor = oxygen (O₂) ; Byproduct #14 = H₂O (water).
Q21 [2 pts]: ATP Synthase binds ADP + Pi. Chemiosmotic proton gradient rushes through enzyme, spinning its rotor.
Q22 [2 pts]: Glycolysis & Krebs harvest electrons, loading them onto NADH (#1) and NADH/FADH₂ (#2), which drop electrons at ETC.
Station 7: Grand Energy Audit & Toxin Synthesis (Questions 23–25)
Q23 [2 pts]: Label #5 = 32–34 ATP (generated by oxidative phosphorylation/chemiosmosis).
Q24 [2 pts]: Label #13 = 36–38 total ATP . Breakdown: 2 ATP (glycolysis) + 2 ATP (Krebs) + 32–34 ATP (ETC).
Q25 [3 pts]: Blocking ETC halts electron flow & proton pumping; ATP synthesis plummets. Oxygen cannot accept electrons; cells starve of energy ("cellular suffocation").
Official Diagram Label Key (1–17 Cross-Reference):
1: e⁻ carriers NADH
2: e⁻ carriers NADH/FADH₂
3: cytoplasm
4: Krebs (citric acid) cycle
5: 32–34 ATP
6: Electron Transport Chain
7: CO₂
8: glycolysis
9: fermentation
10: without
11: 2 ATP
12: 2 ATP
13: 36–38 total ATP
14: H₂O
15: mitochondrion
16: with
17: pyruvate (pyruvic acid)
Total Possible Points: 50 Points (2 points per question, Q2 and Q25 weighted at 3 points each). Recommended Mastery Benchmark: 40/50 (80%).