Cellular Respiration Process Quiz

Cellular Respiration

• Cellular respiration converts food into energy for plants and animals.
• This process occurs in the mitochondria.
• The general reaction for cellular respiration is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy

Energy Storage

• Energy is stored in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and more specifically in the bonds between the phosphate groups.
• ATP is the currency unit for energy.

Types of Respiration

• Aerobic Respiration: Requires oxygen to occur.
• Anaerobic Respiration: Does not require oxygen; can be fermentation.

Anaerobic Respiration (Fermentation) in Humans

• During vigorous exercise, cells may not receive enough oxygen for aerobic respiration.
• Glucose is converted into lactic acid.
• This causes the "muscle burn" feeling.

Alcoholic Fermentation

• Yeasts and some microorganisms use alcoholic fermentation.
• Glucose is converted into alcohol as a byproduct.

Glycolysis

• The first stage of cellular respiration.
• Glucose is broken down into two 3-carbon molecules of pyruvate.
• This occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.
• Some ATP is produced during this process.

Krebs Cycle

• Pyruvate enters the mitochondria to begin the Krebs cycle.
• A series of reactions, carbon, and oxygen are released as CO₂.
• Hydrogen atoms are released and sent to the Electron Transport Chain.

Electron Transport Chain

• The final stage of cellular respiration.
• Hydrogens are pumped across the inner membrane, specifically, across cristae.
• ATP is produced (28-32 ATP's).
• This occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae).