WHAT IS CELLULAR RESPIRATION
Solution
Cellular respiration is a set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products. The reactions involved in respiration are catabolic reactions, which break down large molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process.
This process is divided into three stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
-
Glycolysis: This is the first stage of cellular respiration. It occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and is anaerobic (does not require oxygen). In glycolysis, one glucose molecule (a six-carbon sugar) is split into two molecules of pyruvate (a three-carbon compound). This process produces a small amount of ATP and some high-energy electrons, which are carried by the molecule NADH.
-
Krebs Cycle: Also known as the citric acid cycle or the tricarboxylic acid cycle, this is the second stage of cellular respiration. It occurs in the mitochondria of the cell and is aerobic (requires oxygen). In the Krebs cycle, the pyruvate molecules from glycolysis are further broken down to produce more ATP and high-energy electrons, which are carried by the molecules NADH and FADH2.
-
Electron Transport Chain: This is the final stage of cellular respiration. It also occurs in the mitochondria and is aerobic. The high-energy electrons from NADH and FADH2 are passed along a series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane (the electron transport chain). As the electrons are passed from one protein to another, they lose energy, which is used to pump hydrogen ions across the membrane, creating a gradient. This gradient is used to produce a large amount of ATP. At the end of the electron transport chain, the electrons combine with oxygen and hydrogen ions to form water.
In summary, cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose and other molecules to produce ATP, which is used to power the cell's activities. This process also produces carbon dioxide as a waste product, which is expelled from the body.
Similar Questions
Cellular Respiration: What Is It, Its Purpose, and More
What is during cellular respiration?
WHERE DOES CELLULAR RESPIRATION OCCUR
Why is cellular respiration an aerobic process? What does this mean?
What is cellular respiration?A.Converting sunlight to glucose to provide energy for plantsB.Exchanging O2 for CO2 in the blood within the lungsC.Using glucose to provide energy for the bodyD.Building glucose from smaller hydrocarbons
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.