Section: STEM · BiologyDifficulty: Medium
Cellular Respiration
USUK
The process cells use to convert glucose into usable energy (ATP).
Also: aerobic respiration
Definition
Cellular respiration is the metabolic process by which cells break down glucose and other organic molecules in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), carbon dioxide, and water. It occurs in three main stages: glycolysis in the cytoplasm, the Krebs cycle in the mitochondrial matrix, and oxidative phosphorylation in the inner mitochondrial membrane. A single glucose molecule can yield up to 38 ATP molecules.
Example
“During intense exercise, your muscle cells consume oxygen and glucose at high rates through cellular respiration to produce the ATP needed to power muscle contractions.”
Synonyms
- aerobic respiration
- cell metabolism
- oxidative energy production
Antonyms / Opposites
- photosynthesis
- anaerobic respiration
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Related Terms
- Photosynthesis
- ATP
- Mitochondria
- Glycolysis