Cellular respiration
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down organic molecules, such as glucose, to produce energy in the form of ATP. It is a fundamental metabolic pathway that occurs in all living organisms.
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It is a fundamental metabolic pathway that occurs in all living organisms. This process involves four different stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and fermentation. Glycolysis is the initial step where glucose is broken down into pyruvate, generating a small amount of ATP and NADH. The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, further breaks down pyruvate into carbon dioxide, ATP, and more NADH. Oxidative phosphorylation, which takes place in the mitochondria, uses the electrons carried by NADH and another molecule called FADH2 to create a large amount of ATP. Lastly, fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen, and allows for the regeneration of NAD+ for glycolysis to continue. Overall, cellular respiration is a vital process that provides cells with the energy required for their functions and the maintenance of life.