Final answer:
The stepwise oxidation of sugars, where energy is released from sugars and transferred to carrier molecules, is called cellular respiration. In this process, glucose is broken down to produce carbon dioxide and water, while energy is transferred to carrier molecules like NADH and FADH2. This energy is then used to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stepwise oxidation of sugars, where energy is released from sugars and transferred to carrier molecules, is called cellular respiration. In cellular respiration, glucose is broken down in a series of reactions to produce carbon dioxide and water, while energy is transferred to carrier molecules like NADH and FADH2. This energy is then used to generate ATP through the process of oxidative phosphorylation.
For example, in glycolysis, the first step of cellular respiration, glucose is converted into two pyruvic acid molecules. In this process, energy is released and NAD+ is reduced to NADH. The pyruvic acid then enters the citric acid cycle, where further oxidation occurs and more NADH and FADH2 are produced. Finally, in oxidative phosphorylation, the energy stored in NADH and FADH2 is used to generate ATP.