Cellular Respiration Overview

Cellular respiration How cells convert chemical energy in food into usable energy for the cell. Cells run on a energy storage (providing) molecule called ATP (adenosine tri phosphate) Cellular respiration is really a three step process that is usually summarized in the reaction. C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 = CO 2 + H 2 O + Energy

The reactions that occur as smaller parts of cellular respiration. 1. Glycolysis = Glyco means sugar, and lysis means to split. So in glycolysis a sugar molecule ususally glucose is split. Produces 2 molecules of ATP. Can occur without oxygen present. Happens in cytoplasm

3 parts of cellular respiration (cont.) 2. The Krebs Cycle = the two molecules produced by glycolysis are further broken down by a series of enzyme assisted reactions called the Krebs Cycle. This produces two more ATP and some excess CO 2. *** Requires oxygen *** happens in mitochondria

3 parts of cellular respiration (cont.) 3. Electron transport chain – after the Krebs Cycle reactions there are many Hydrogen atoms left from the original glucose molecule they enter a special sequence called the electron transport change that produces an additional 34 molecules of ATP and water (H20) as a waste product. Requires Oxygen Happens in mitochondria