Aerobic Cellular Respiration Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Aerobic Cellular Respiration?

Aerobic Cellular Respiration is an energy-producing process that occurs in the cells of living organisms. It is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose, fatty acids, and other nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which can then be used as a source of energy for various cellular activities. The process involves multiple steps that are catalyzed by enzymes and involve the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones. This reaction produces carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP molecules. At the beginning of aerobic cellular respiration, glucose is converted to pyruvate by glycolysis. During this step, two ATP molecules are generated from one molecule of glucose. Pyruvate then enters the mitochondria where it undergoes further oxidation through a series of reactions known as the Krebs cycle or citric acid cycle. During this stage, additional ATP is produced along with other end products such as NADH and FADH2 which are used to generate more ATP during oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain located on the inner mitochondrial membrane. In total, 36 to 38 molecules of ATP are produced from one molecule of glucose during aerobic cellular respiration depending on how much oxygen is available for use in oxidative phosphorylation. Aerobic Cellular Respiration has been found to be much more efficient than anaerobic metabolism because it produces more energy per unit time compared to non-oxygen dependent pathways such as fermentation pathways which produce only two molecules of ATP per unit time from one molecule of glucose. This makes it ideal for producing large amounts of energy quickly when oxygen levels are adequate and makes it possible for organisms such as humans to engage in intense physical activity without running out breath too quickly due to lack of energy production from anaerobic processes. Additionally, aerobic respiration ensures that there is no buildup lactic acid which can cause muscle fatigue when produced anaerobically during strenuous exercise or activity. Overall, Aerobic Cellular Respiration has proven itself over time to be an essential metabolic pathway for many organisms including humans as it provides our cells with a reliable source for generating large amounts energy quickly under oxygenated conditions so we can perform everyday tasks with ease.