During cellular respiration, the primary process involves the breakdown of glucose to release energy. Specifically, the correct statement from your options is:
Glucose is broken down releasing energy.
Here's a brief overview of what happens during cellular respiration:
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Glycolysis: Glucose (a six-carbon sugar) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate (three-carbon compounds), producing a small amount of ATP (energy) and NADH.
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Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): The pyruvate enters the mitochondria and is further processed to produce more NADH, FADH2, and some ATP. During this process, carbon dioxide is released as a waste product.
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Electron Transport Chain: The NADH and FADH2 generated in previous steps are used to produce a large amount of ATP. Oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor in the chain, and water is produced as a byproduct.
Overall, while oxygen is consumed (not released) in cellular respiration and carbon dioxide and water are produced, the key focus is on how glucose is broken down to release energy.
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