Cellular respiration
Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration (pronunciation: /sɛljʊlər rɛspɪˈreɪʃən/) is a set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products. The reactions involved in respiration are catabolic reactions, which break down large molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process.
Etymology
The term "cellular respiration" was first used in the early 20th century. It is derived from the Latin cellula, meaning "small room", and the Latin respiratio, meaning "breathing".
Process
Cellular respiration involves three main stages: Glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the Electron transport chain.
- Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose C6H12O6, into pyruvate, CH3COCOO− + H+. The free energy released in this process is used to form the high-energy molecules ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
- The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or the tricarboxylic acid cycle, is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, into ATP and carbon dioxide.
- The Electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of complexes that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions, and couples this electron transfer with the transfer of protons (H+ ions) across a membrane.
Related Terms
- Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms. The three main purposes of metabolism are: the conversion of food to energy to run cellular processes; the conversion of food/fuel to building blocks for proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and some carbohydrates; and the elimination of nitrogenous wastes.
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): A complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells, e.g. muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and chemical synthesis.
- Oxidative Phosphorylation: The metabolic pathway in which cells use enzymes to oxidize nutrients, thereby releasing energy which is used to produce ATP.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cellular respiration
- Wikipedia's article - Cellular respiration
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