Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that cells use to convert nutrients into energy. The correct order of the main stages of cellular respiration is as follows:
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Glycolysis: This process occurs in the cytoplasm and breaks down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH in the process.
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Pyruvate Oxidation (also known as the transition reaction): This takes place in the mitochondrial matrix where each pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA, producing NADH and releasing carbon dioxide.
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Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle): Also occurring in the mitochondrial matrix, each acetyl-CoA is oxidized, producing ATP, NADH, FADHâ‚‚, and releasing carbon dioxide.
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Oxidative Phosphorylation: This stage takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane and consists of the Electron Transport Chain and Chemiosmosis. NADH and FADHâ‚‚ donate electrons, which are transferred through a series of proteins, leading to the production of a large amount of ATP and water as oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor.
In summary, the order is:
- Glycolysis
- Pyruvate Oxidation
- Citric Acid Cycle
- Oxidative Phosphorylation
This sequence efficiently converts glucose into usable energy in the form of ATP.