Cellular respiration

Definition

Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. It is essential for providing energy to cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cellular respiration occurs in three main stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
2. The electron transport chain is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
3. Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration.
4. ATP synthase produces ATP by using a proton gradient created by the electron transport chain.
5. Anaerobic respiration occurs when oxygen is not present and results in less ATP production compared to aerobic respiration.

Review Questions

• What are the three main stages of cellular respiration?
• Where does the electron transport chain take place?
• What role does oxygen play in cellular respiration?

Related terms

Glycolysis: The first stage of cellular respiration that breaks down glucose into pyruvate.

Krebs Cycle: A series of chemical reactions used in cellular respiration to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Oxidative Phosphorylation: The process of generating ATP from ADP using energy derived from electrons transferred through the electron transport chain.