Cellular respiration is a vital metabolic process that converts organic molecules into usable energy (ATP) in cells. This process occurs primarily in mitochondria and consists of three main stages:
- Glycolysis: Breaks down glucose into pyruvate in the cytoplasm
- Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle): Generates electron carriers in the mitochondrial matrix
- Oxidative Phosphorylation: Produces most ATP through the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis
Key points:
- Involves both aerobic and anaerobic processes
- Generates ATP, NADH, FADH2, and CO2 as byproducts
- Essential for cellular energy production and survival