Cellular respiration is the process by which living organisms convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), with waste products released. The reactions involved in respiration are catabolic reactions, which break large molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.
1. Glycolysis — The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate in the cytoplasm, producing 2 ATP and 2 NADH per glucose molecule.
2. Krebs Cycle — Also called the citric acid cycle, takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. Each cycle produces 3 NADH, 1 FADH2, 1 ATP, and 2 CO2.
3. Electron Transport Chain — Located on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Electrons from NADH and FADH2 are passed along a series of protein complexes, pumping protons and creating an electrochemical gradient that drives ATP synthesis.
1. Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?
2. How many ATP molecules are produced from one glucose molecule through aerobic respiration?
3. What is the role of oxygen in cellular respiration?