ATP stores some of the energy from glucose molecules during cellular respiration. How is the remaining energy from these glucose molecules released?
1 answer
The remaining energy from glucose molecules is released through a series of chemical reactions that take place in the mitochondria of cells. These reactions involve the breakdown of molecules like pyruvate and fatty acids, which are derived from glucose, to produce more ATP. This process is known as the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. During oxidative phosphorylation, electrons are transferred through a series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane, leading to the production of ATP. The energy released in these reactions is then used by the cell for various metabolic processes and to fuel its activities.