The remaining energy from glucose molecules is released through a series of reactions in cellular respiration. Once glucose is broken down into smaller molecules through glycolysis, it enters the mitochondria for further oxidation.
In the mitochondria, the remaining energy is extracted through two main processes: the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle) and the electron transport chain.
1. Krebs Cycle: In this cycle, acetyl CoA (derived from the breakdown of glucose) combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate. Through a series of reactions, citrate is gradually broken down, releasing carbon dioxide and transferring high-energy electrons to carrier molecules (NADH and FADH2). These carrier molecules will later enter the electron transport chain.
2. Electron Transport Chain: The high-energy electrons from NADH and FADH2 are passed through a series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. As the electrons move through the chain, they release energy, which is used to pump protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space. This creates an electrochemical gradient. Finally, the electrons are accepted by oxygen, which combines with protons to form water molecules.
The flow of protons back into the matrix through ATP synthase generates ATP, which is the primary energy currency of cells. This process is called oxidative phosphorylation and is responsible for the majority of ATP production in cellular respiration.
Overall, the breakdown of glucose and subsequent reactions in the mitochondria release the remaining energy stored in the glucose molecules by transferring high-energy electrons to generate ATP.
Apt store some energy from glucose molecules during cellular respiration how is the remaining energy from these glucose molecules release
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