The fundamental metabolic pathway occurring within cells, primarily in the mitochondria, that converts biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process involves a sequence of reactions including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Efficient cellular respiration is essential for all physiological functions, from muscle contraction to hormone synthesis and cellular repair.
Origin
The term is derived from ‘cellular,’ referring to the basic unit of life, and ‘respiration,’ from the Latin respirare, meaning “to breathe again,” originally referencing the gas exchange process. Its scientific formalization describes the intricate biochemical steps that utilize oxygen to maximize energy extraction from glucose and fatty acids. This concept is foundational to biochemistry.
Mechanism
The process begins with glucose breakdown (glycolysis) in the cytoplasm, followed by the entry of pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix. Here, the Krebs cycle generates electron carriers, which then feed the electron transport chain, utilizing oxygen as the final electron acceptor to generate a proton gradient. This gradient powers ATP synthase, producing the vast majority of the cell’s energy supply for all metabolic demands.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.