Question

Where does the oxidative stage of the breakdown of food molecules occur in a eukaryotic cell?

Answer 1

The oxidative stage of food molecule breakdown, including the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. Glycolysis first produces pyruvate in the cytoplasm, which is then transported to the mitochondria for further oxidative processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxidative Stage of Food Molecule Breakdown in Eukaryotic Cells

The oxidative stage of food molecule breakdown, more specifically known as the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, occurs within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.

Glycolysis is the initial stage where glucose is converted into pyruvate in the cytoplasm. Then, pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria, where it is further oxidized to Acetyl CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle.

The high-energy electrons generated during the Krebs cycle are transported through the electron transport chain during oxidative phosphorylation, which also takes place in the inner membrane of the mitochondrion.

The movement of electrons down the chain drives the synthesis of ATP, the energy currency of the cell, making oxidative phosphorylation a vital process for cellular energy production.

Answer 2

The oxidative stage of food molecule breakdown, including the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. Glycolysis first produces pyruvate in the cytoplasm, which is then transported to the mitochondria for further oxidative processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxidative Stage of Food Molecule Breakdown in Eukaryotic Cells

The oxidative stage of food molecule breakdown, more specifically known as the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, occurs within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.

Glycolysis is the initial stage where glucose is converted into pyruvate in the cytoplasm. Then, pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria, where it is further oxidized to Acetyl CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle.

The high-energy electrons generated during the Krebs cycle are transported through the electron transport chain during oxidative phosphorylation, which also takes place in the inner membrane of the mitochondrion.

The movement of electrons down the chain drives the synthesis of ATP, the energy currency of the cell, making oxidative phosphorylation a vital process for cellular energy production.