Cellular Respiration
Definition
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells in plants, animals and fungi break down glucose (a type of sugar) and turn it into energy. This energy is then used to fuel various cellular activities.
Analogy
Think of cellular respiration like a car engine. The car needs gas (glucose) to run, and when you start the engine (cellular respiration), the gas is converted into energy that powers the car.
Related terms
Glycolysis: This is the first step in cellular respiration where glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate.
Mitochondria: These are the 'powerhouses' of the cell where most of cellular respiration takes place.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): This is the main energy currency for cells. It's what your body uses to do work after it's produced by cellular respiration.
"Cellular Respiration" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (9)
Which phase do photosynthesis and cellular respiration have in common?
When the cell has an excess of ATP, ATP molecules bind to the first enzyme involved in cellular respiration. What is this an example of?
Where does the electron transport chain occur in photosynthesis and cellular respiration respectively?
Which phase do photosynthesis and cellular respiration have in common?
Which organelle is where the majority of cellular respiration occurs?
Where is the pH the lowest in a mitochondria during cellular respiration?
Several foods are produced through fermentation, which is a form of cellular respiration that does not use oxygen. Which of the following foods is produced through fermentation?
Cellular respiration is an example of which type of metabolism?
What product yields from cellular respiration?
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