Alright, let's dive into some class notes on a fundamental subject: Biology.

Here's an overview of cellular

respiration, a crucial process for energy production in living organisms:

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**Cellular Respiration**

**Definition:** Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose and other organic
molecules to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell, along with other
byproducts.

**Stages of Cellular Respiration:**

1. **Glycolysis:**

- Location: Cytoplasm

- Glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate.

- ATP and NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) are produced.

- Anaerobic process (does not require oxygen).

2. **Pyruvate Oxidation:**

- Location: Mitochondrial matrix (in eukaryotic cells)

- Pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria.

- Converted to acetyl CoA (Coenzyme A), releasing CO2.

- NADH is produced.

3. **Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle):**

- Location: Mitochondrial matrix

 - Acetyl CoA enters the cycle.

- Series of redox reactions occur, producing NADH and FADH2 (flavin adenine dinucleotide).

- ATP is produced through substrate-level phosphorylation.

- CO2 is released as a byproduct.

4. **Electron Transport Chain (ETC):**

- Location: Inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae)

- NADH and FADH2 donate electrons to the chain.

- Electron transfer generates a proton gradient (proton motive force) across the membrane.

- ATP synthase uses the energy of proton flow to produce ATP (oxidative phosphorylation).

- Oxygen is the final electron acceptor, forming water.

- This is the most efficient stage of ATP production.

**Overall Equation for Cellular Respiration:**

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP

**Energy Yield:**

- Glycolysis: 2 ATP

- Citric Acid Cycle: 2 ATP