Question

Name the 3 main stages of cellular respiration and state the specific region in the cell where each stage occurs

Answer 1

Final Answer:

The three main stages of cellular respiration are glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, the citric acid cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, and oxidative phosphorylation happens in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cellular respiration is a vital process in which cells extract energy from nutrients to produce ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. The first stage, glycolysis, occurs in the cytoplasm. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, generating a small amount of ATP and NADH.

The second stage, the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle, takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. In this cycle, each pyruvate from glycolysis is further oxidized, producing NADH and FADH2, which carry high-energy electrons to the next stage. Carbon dioxide is also released during the citric acid cycle.

The final stage, oxidative phosphorylation, happens in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It consists of two interconnected processes: the electron transport chain (ETC) and chemiosmosis. Electrons from NADH and FADH2 move through the ETC, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is then used to drive ATP synthesis through chemiosmosis, forming a substantial amount of ATP.

In summary, the three stages of cellular respiration are intricately linked, occurring in specific cellular locations to efficiently harvest energy from nutrients and generate ATP for the cell's functions. Glycolysis starts the process in the cytoplasm, followed by the citric acid cycle in the mitochondrial matrix, and oxidative phosphorylation concludes in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Answer 2

The three main stages of cellular respiration are glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, the citric acid cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, and oxidative phosphorylation happens in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cellular respiration is a complex process that involves the breakdown of glucose to produce ATP, the cell's primary energy currency. Glycolysis, the first stage, occurs in the cytoplasm, where one molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvate. This process generates a small amount of ATP and NADH.

The next stage, the citric acid cycle, takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. Here, each pyruvate is further broken down, releasing carbon dioxide and transferring electrons to carrier molecules. This contributes to the production of more NADH and FADH₂.

The final and most energy-yielding stage is oxidative phosphorylation, which unfolds in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Electron transport chains transfer electrons from NADH and FADH₂, driving the pumping of protons across the inner membrane. This creates a proton gradient, and as protons flow back into the matrix through ATP synthase, ATP is synthesized.

The overall process of oxidative phosphorylation generates a large amount of ATP, making it a crucial step in cellular respiration. In summary, the coordinated activities of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation allow cells to efficiently extract energy from glucose, supporting various cellular functions.