Respiration
Definition
Cellular respiration is the metabolic process by which cells break down glucose and other organic molecules to produce ATP (energy). It occurs in three stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. The overall process uses oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
Key Points for NEET
- 1Overall equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
- 2Glycolysis occurs in cytoplasm (produces 2 ATP)
- 3Krebs cycle occurs in mitochondrial matrix
- 4ETC produces most ATP (34 ATP)
- 5Total yield: 36-38 ATP per glucose molecule
Example
Muscle cells breaking down glucose during exercise to produce energy
Asked in NEET
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