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Class Notes ON The Process of Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water, occurring in the mitochondria through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. The total ATP yield from one glucose molecule is approximately 36-38 ATP, which is crucial for cellular activities and metabolism regulation. This process also facilitates waste removal, primarily in the form of carbon dioxide and water.

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4 views2 pages

Class Notes ON The Process of Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water, occurring in the mitochondria through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. The total ATP yield from one glucose molecule is approximately 36-38 ATP, which is crucial for cellular activities and metabolism regulation. This process also facilitates waste removal, primarily in the form of carbon dioxide and water.

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Class Notes: The Process of Cellular Respiration

Introduction to Cellular Respiration:

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy
(ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. This process is vital for all living organisms, as it provides
the energy necessary for various cellular activities. Cellular respiration occurs in the
mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and involves multiple stages: Glycolysis, the Citric Acid
Cycle (Krebs Cycle), and the Electron Transport Chain.

Key Stages of Cellular Respiration:

1. Glycolysis:
o Location: Cytoplasm
o Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration. It occurs in the cytoplasm
and does not require oxygen (anaerobic). During glycolysis, one molecule of
glucose (a 6-carbon molecule) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate
(a 3-carbon molecule). This process also produces a small amount of ATP (net
gain of 2 ATP) and NADH, which are used in later stages.

Equation: Glucose⟶2Pyruvate+2ATP+2NADH\text{Glucose} \longrightarrow 2 \


text{Pyruvate} + 2 \text{ATP} + 2 \
text{NADH}Glucose⟶2Pyruvate+2ATP+2NADH

2. Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle):


o Location: Mitochondrial Matrix
o The pyruvate produced in glycolysis is transported into the mitochondria,
where it is converted into Acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA then enters the citric acid
cycle. The citric acid cycle produces more high-energy electron carriers
(NADH and FADH₂) and a small amount of ATP. Additionally, carbon
dioxide (CO₂) is released as a waste product.

Equation: Acetyl-CoA+Oxygen⟶NADH+FADH₂+2CO₂+2ATP\text{Acetyl-
CoA} + \text{Oxygen} \longrightarrow \text{NADH} + \text{FADH₂} + 2 \
text{CO₂} + 2 \text{ATP}Acetyl-CoA+Oxygen⟶NADH+FADH₂+2CO₂+2ATP

3. Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and Oxidative Phosphorylation:


o Location: Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
o In the final stage of cellular respiration, the NADH and FADH₂ produced in
previous stages donate electrons to the electron transport chain, which takes
place in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The electrons move through a
series of protein complexes, creating a flow of protons (H⁺) across the
membrane. This flow generates a proton gradient that powers the enzyme ATP
synthase, which produces a large amount of ATP. Oxygen serves as the final
electron acceptor, combining with electrons and protons to form water (H₂O).
Equation: NADH+FADH₂+Oxygen⟶ATP+Water+CO₂\text{NADH} + \
text{FADH₂} + \text{Oxygen} \longrightarrow \text{ATP} + \text{Water} + \
text{CO₂}NADH+FADH₂+Oxygen⟶ATP+Water+CO₂

Total ATP Yield from Cellular Respiration:

 Glycolysis: 2 ATP (net gain)


 Citric Acid Cycle: 2 ATP
 Electron Transport Chain: Approximately 32-34 ATP

The total yield of ATP from one molecule of glucose is around 36-38 ATP molecules.

Importance of Cellular Respiration:

1. Energy Production:
o ATP produced during cellular respiration is the primary energy source for
cellular activities like muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and maintaining
homeostasis.
2. Regulation of Metabolism:
o Cellular respiration helps regulate the breakdown of nutrients to release
energy, which is essential for growth, repair, and maintaining proper function
in organisms.
3. Waste Removal:
o The process also produces waste products, primarily carbon dioxide and water,
which are expelled from the body. Carbon dioxide is removed through
respiration, and water is either reused or expelled through sweat and urine.

Conclusion:

Cellular respiration is a critical biochemical process that converts energy stored in food into a
usable form (ATP) for cells. This process involves multiple steps, each contributing to the
production of ATP. Understanding cellular respiration is essential for appreciating how
organisms harness and utilize energy to sustain life and maintain cellular function.

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