What kind of reaction occurs when a molecule of glucose reacts with oxygen to give carbon dioxide and water?
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The reaction you are referring to is called cellular respiration. It is a complex biochemical process that occurs within the cells of living organisms, where glucose (C6H12O6) reacts with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). This process provides energy for the cells to carry out various functions.
To understand this reaction, let's break it down step by step:
1. Glucose (C6H12O6) is a carbohydrate molecule that serves as a fuel for cellular respiration. It enters the cells through various transport mechanisms, such as facilitated diffusion or active transport.
2. Once inside the cells, glucose undergoes a series of chemical reactions called glycolysis, which occurs in the cytoplasm. During glycolysis, glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvate.
3. Pyruvate then enters the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, where it undergoes a process called the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle). In the Krebs cycle, pyruvate is further oxidized, and carbon dioxide (CO2) is released as a waste product.
4. The NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and FADH2 (flavin adenine dinucleotide) produced in the Krebs cycle carry high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain (ETC). The ETC is located on the inner membrane of the mitochondria.
5. As the electrons pass through the electron transport chain, their energy is used to pump protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.
6. The protons then flow back across the membrane through an enzyme called ATP synthase, generating ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - the energy currency of the cell.
7. Oxygen (O2) acts as the final electron acceptor at the end of the electron transport chain. It combines with electrons and protons to form water (H2O).
In summary, the reaction of glucose with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water is a crucial part of cellular respiration, allowing cells to generate ATP for energy. This process occurs in multiple stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.