An important step in cellular respiration is
a
the breakdown of glucose.
b
the creation of phosphate.
c
the breakdown of carbon dioxide.
d
the creation of oxygen.
a
the breakdown of glucose.
The correct answer is option a) the breakdown of glucose.
The correct answer is a) the breakdown of glucose.
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). It is a vital metabolic process that provides energy for cellular functions.
To determine the correct answer, you need to understand the steps involved in cellular respiration. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Glycolysis: Glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate in the cytoplasm. This step occurs whether oxygen is present (aerobic respiration) or not (anaerobic respiration).
2. Transition reaction: In aerobic respiration, the pyruvate molecules produced in glycolysis enter the mitochondria and are converted into acetyl-CoA. During this process, carbon dioxide is released.
3. Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle): Acetyl-CoA enters the Krebs cycle, where it undergoes a series of reactions that produce energy-rich molecules such as NADH and FADH2. Carbon dioxide is released as a waste product in this cycle.
4. Electron transport chain: The energy-rich molecules NADH and FADH2 generated in the previous steps donate their electrons to the electron transport chain, which is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. As the electrons pass through the chain, energy is released and used to pump protons (H+) across the membrane. This creates a proton gradient, which drives ATP synthesis. Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, combining with hydrogen ions and forming water.
Therefore, from the steps involved in cellular respiration, it is evident that the breakdown of glucose is an essential step.