Cellular Respiration Process

Cellular Respiration

Overview

• Cellular respiration is the process by which cells generate energy from glucose
• It involves the breakdown of glucose and other organic molecules to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
• Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria and cytosol of cells

Stages of Cellular Respiration

1. Glycolysis
   • Occurs in the cytosol
   • Breaks down glucose into pyruvate
   • Produces 2 ATP and 2 NADH
2. Pyruvate Oxidation
   • Occurs in the mitochondria
   • Converts pyruvate into acetyl-CoA
   • Produces 2 NADH and 2 ATP
3. Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)
   • Occurs in the mitochondria
   • Converts acetyl-CoA into carbon dioxide and energy
   • Produces 2 ATP, 6 NADH, and 2 FADH2
4. Electron Transport Chain
   • Occurs in the mitochondrial inner membrane
   • Uses energy from NADH and FADH2 to generate ATP
   • Produces 32-34 ATP
5. Oxidative Phosphorylation
   • Occurs in the mitochondrial inner membrane
   • Uses energy from the electron transport chain to generate ATP
   • Produces 32-34 ATP

Total ATP Yield

• The complete breakdown of one glucose molecule produces 36-38 ATP
• 2 ATP from glycolysis, 2 ATP from pyruvate oxidation, and 32-34 ATP from oxidative phosphorylation