Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is the set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert energy from nutrients into ATP (energy), while releasing waste. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins can all be used as fuels for cellular respiration, glucose being the most common. The reactions are catabolic, which means bigger molecules are broken to create smaller molecules, releasing energy in the process. Respiration is a main way a cell gains energy to fuel activity. Cellular respiration is an exothermic redox reaction which releases heat. Cellular respiration takes carbohydrates, dissemble them into glucose, then create ATP. C6H12O6 + 6O2 = 6CO2 + 6H20 + 36-38 ATP
If there is no oxygen, Fermentation will occur after glycolysis. Photosynthesis is the cellular respiration of plants. |