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Class Notes On Cellular Respiration

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12 views2 pages

Class Notes On Cellular Respiration

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bto5061
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Class Notes on Cellular Respiration

Topic: Cellular Respiration

Overview: Cellular respiration is the biochemical process by which cells convert glucose and
oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. This process is essential for the survival
of cells and organisms, providing energy for metabolic activities.

Stages of Cellular Respiration: Cellular respiration consists of three main stages: Glycolysis,
the Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle), and the Electron Transport Chain.

1. Glycolysis:

o Location: Cytoplasm of the cell.

o Process: One glucose molecule (6 carbon atoms) is broken down into two
pyruvate molecules (3 carbon atoms).

o Energy Yield: Produces a net gain of 2 ATP molecules and 2 NADH molecules.

o Anaerobic Process: Does not require oxygen; can occur in both aerobic and
anaerobic conditions.

2. Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle):

o Location: Mitochondrial matrix.

o Process: Pyruvate is converted into Acetyl-CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle.
Through a series of reactions, Acetyl-CoA is oxidized, producing CO₂, ATP,
NADH, and FADH₂.

o Energy Yield: Each turn of the cycle generates 1 ATP, 3 NADH, and 1 FADH₂ (two
turns for one glucose).

3. Electron Transport Chain (ETC):

o Location: Inner mitochondrial membrane.

o Process: NADH and FADH₂ donate electrons to the ETC, where they pass
through a series of protein complexes, releasing energy used to pump protons
(H⁺) into the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient.

o Final Electron Acceptor: Oxygen accepts electrons and combines with protons
to form water.

o Energy Yield: Produces approximately 32-34 ATP molecules through oxidative


phosphorylation.

Overall Equation: The overall reaction for cellular respiration can be summarized as:

C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+energy (ATP)C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2 \rightarrow 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O +


\text{energy (ATP)}C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+energy (ATP)
Key Concepts:

• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The main energy currency of the cell, used to power
cellular processes.

• Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration: Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces
more ATP, while anaerobic respiration (e.g., fermentation) occurs without oxygen and
yields less ATP.

• Fermentation: In the absence of oxygen, cells can undergo fermentation, producing


lactic acid (in animals) or ethanol and CO₂ (in yeast).

Applications: Understanding cellular respiration is crucial for fields such as biochemistry,


medicine, and exercise physiology. It has implications for energy production in health and
disease, as well as in bioengineering and biotechnology.

Real-world Examples:

• Exercise: During intense physical activity, muscles may switch to anaerobic


respiration, leading to lactic acid buildup and fatigue.

• Fermentation: Yeast cells perform fermentation to produce alcohol in brewing and


baking processes.

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