In your own words describe the process of cellular respiration and why it is important be sure to identify reactants and products and cellular respite expression and also tell where energy comes from and how it is used or stored in this process
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose molecules to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process occurs in the mitochondria of cells and is essential for the survival and functioning of all living organisms.
During cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen are the reactants that are used to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP. The overall equation for cellular respiration is:
Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP
The energy produced during cellular respiration is stored in the form of ATP. This energy is used by cells to perform various functions, such as movement, growth, and reproduction. ATP serves as the primary source of energy for all cellular processes.
Cellular respiration consists of three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), and the electron transport chain. In glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. The pyruvate then enters the citric acid cycle, where it is further broken down to produce electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) and ATP. The electron carriers then enter the electron transport chain, where they donate electrons to generate a proton gradient that drives the production of ATP.
Overall, cellular respiration is a crucial process that provides cells with the energy they need to carry out their functions and maintain homeostasis. Without cellular respiration, cells would not be able to survive and perform essential tasks.