Biology

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration breaks glucose down to release ATP. The overall reaction: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ~30-32 ATP. It happens in three main stages: glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

How to Approach Cellular Respiration

1

Glycolysis (cytoplasm)

One glucose is split into two pyruvates. Net gain: 2 ATP and 2 NADH. No oxygen needed at this stage.

2

Krebs cycle (mitochondrial matrix)

Pyruvate is converted to Acetyl-CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle. For each glucose: 2 ATP, 6 NADH, 2 FADH₂, and CO₂ is released.

3

Electron transport chain (inner mitochondrial membrane)

NADH and FADH₂ donate electrons. Their energy pumps H⁺ across the membrane, creating a gradient that drives ATP synthase. Final result: ~26-28 more ATP, plus water as the electron acceptor combines with O₂.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens without oxygen?+

Cells switch to anaerobic respiration (fermentation). Yield drops to just the 2 ATP from glycolysis. In humans, pyruvate becomes lactic acid; in yeast, it becomes ethanol + CO₂.

Where does the most ATP come from?+

The electron transport chain — about 90% of total ATP. Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle directly produce only 4 ATP between them.

How does this connect to photosynthesis?+

They're complementary. Photosynthesis builds glucose using CO₂ + H₂O and releases O₂. Respiration consumes glucose + O₂ and releases CO₂ + H₂O. Together they recycle carbon and energy.

Related Topics

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