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Cellular Respiration

Cellular Respiration

  • Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
  • It occurs in three stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
  • Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and breaks down glucose into two pyruvate molecules, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.
  • The citric acid cycle occurs in the mitochondria and further breaks down pyruvate into carbon dioxide, producing more ATP and NADH.
  • Oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondria and uses the energy from NADH and another molecule called FADH2 to produce a large amount of ATP.
  • The overall equation for cellular respiration is: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + ATP.
  • Cellular respiration is essential for all living organisms to produce energy for cellular processes.