Compare: The aerobic phase of cellular respiration in the mitochondrion produces a net of about 28 to 30 ATP molecules. How does this compare to the energy released in glycolysis?
(Note: Some textbooks state that up to 36 ATP molecules are produced in this phase of cellular respiration. In reality, some energy is lost due to the cost of transporting molecules and imperfect membranes.)
Glycolysis is the first step in the process of cellular respiration, and it occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. It is an anaerobic process, meaning it does not require oxygen. During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. In this process, a net of two molecules of ATP is produced.
On the other hand, the aerobic phase of cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondrion and requires oxygen. It consists of the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle) and the electron transport chain. In the Krebs cycle, the pyruvate generated from glycolysis is further broken down, releasing more ATP molecules. The electron transport chain then uses the stored energy from the Krebs cycle to produce even more ATP.
The aerobic phase of cellular respiration in the mitochondrion can produce a net of about 28 to 30 ATP molecules. This means that it generates significantly more ATP compared to glycolysis, which only produces two ATP molecules.
However, it is important to note that the actual number of ATP molecules produced during cellular respiration can vary depending on factors such as the efficiency of the electron transport chain and the cell's energy needs. Some textbooks state that up to 36 ATP molecules can be produced in the aerobic phase of cellular respiration, but in reality, some energy is lost during the process due to various factors.
Overall, the aerobic phase of cellular respiration in the mitochondrion produces a much larger amount of ATP compared to glycolysis.