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The Process of Cellular Respiration

Cellular Respiration Overview Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose (or other organic molecules) in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. It occurs in three main stages:  -  Glycolysis - Pyruvate Decarboxylation (Link Reaction) - Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle) - Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and Oxidative Phosphorylation . Credit of Picture: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/ 1. Glycolysis (Occurs in the Cytoplasm) Purpose: Breaks down one molecule of glucose (6 carbon atoms) into two molecules of pyruvate (3 carbon atoms each), producing some ATP and NADH in the process. Raw Materials: 1 Glucose molecule (C₆H₁₂O₆) 2 NAD⁺ (for reduction to NADH) 2 ATP (for energy investment in early steps) Products: 2 Pyruvate molecules 2 NADH molecules 2 ATP (net gain, 4 ATP produced but 2 are used during the process) 2 H₂O molecules (released as byproducts) Summary: Glycolysis is anaerobic (doesn’t require oxygen)...