Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy. It produces several key outputs:
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ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The main energy currency of the cell. During cellular respiration, a total of approximately 36-38 molecules of ATP are produced from one molecule of glucose, depending on the efficiency of the process and the type of cells involved.
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Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): A waste product generated during the breakdown of glucose. It is released into the atmosphere, particularly during the Krebs cycle (or citric acid cycle) and also during the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.
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Water (H₂O): Another byproduct, formed when oxygen combines with electrons and protons at the end of the electron transport chain.
The overall equation for cellular respiration can be summarized as follows:
\[ \text{C}{6}\text{H}{12}\text{O}{6} + 6 \text{O}{2} \rightarrow 6 \text{CO}{2} + 6 \text{H}{2}\text{O} + \text{ATP} \]
In summary, cellular respiration produces ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.