Steps of Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration take place inside the cells of living things, especially in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. There are many phases to the process:

Glycolysis

The process known as glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and is the initial phase of cellular respiration. Two molecules of pyruvate are produced at this point from one glucose molecule. Some ATP and NADH are also produced during this process.

Pyruvate Oxidation

Glycolysis produces pyruvate, which is then transferred into the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. It is then transformed into acetyl-CoA, which moves on to the next phase of cellular respiration, there after going through a sequence of events known as pyruvate oxidation.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

The citric acid cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. Oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA combine to produce citrate, which then proceeds through a sequence of enzymatic processes to regenerate oxaloacetate. Along the process, high-energy electrons are transported to carrier molecules like FADH2 and NADH, while carbon dioxide is liberated. In the following phase, ATP will be produced using these carrier molecules.

This step of oxidative phosphorylation takes place in the inner membrane of the mitochondria. It allows the movement of electrons to the electron transport chain (ETC) from NADH and FADH2. An electrochemical gradient is produced when protons (H+ ions) are pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Protons returning to the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase drives the synthesis of ATP, a process known as chemiosmosis.

A diagram of cellular respiration shows the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Cellular respiration is a vital metabolic process occurring in all living organisms. The process consists of several interconnected stages, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

The well-labelled diagram of cellular respiration process is given below: