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Cell Respiration

One characteristic of life is the use of energy.  Cells get energy from nutrients and then, use it through a complex process called Cell respiration, in which organelles interact to break down these nutrients and power up the cell.  Glucose is the major source of energy for living organisms.

Cell Respiration

Mitochondria

Cell Respiration explained...

Aerobic Respiration (presence of O2)

GLYCOLYSIS

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  • TAKES PLACE IN THE CYTOSOL.

  • GLUCOSE IS BROKEN DOWN TO PRODUCE PYRUVATE.

  • 2 ATP ARE USED, 4 ARE FORMED.  NET PRODUCTION OF 2 ATP.

  • 2 NADH ARE FORMED.

KREBS CYCLE

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  • TAKES PLACE IN THE MITOCHONDRIAL MATRIX.

  • FROM PYRUVIC ACID TO ACETYL CoA.

  • PRODUCES 2 ATP, 8 NADH AND 2 FADH.

OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORILATION (ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN)

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  • TAKES PLACE IN THE MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANE.

  • FADH AND NADH LEAVE THEIR ELECTRONS.

  • A GRADIENT OF H IONS IS PRODUCED.

  • OXYGEN ACCEPTS H IONS TO PROMOTE THE ACTIVATION OF ATP SYNTHASE.

  • 32 TO 34 ATP ARE PRODUCED.

Anaerobic Respiration (Absence of O2)

Fermentation allows a quick way to regenerate NAD in order to continue with glycolysis.

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