Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy is essential for the functioning of all living organisms. The process consists of three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. To better understand these stages, a simple flow chart can be a helpful visual aid.
Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration and takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. In this stage, glucose is broken down into pyruvate molecules, producing a small amount of ATP in the process. The flow chart for glycolysis typically includes key enzymes such as hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase, as well as the net ATP production.
Cellular Respiration Flow Chart Simple
The Citric Acid Cycle
The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, takes place in the mitochondria of the cell. In this stage, the pyruvate molecules from glycolysis are further broken down, releasing more ATP and producing high-energy electron carriers such as NADH and FADH2. The flow chart for the citric acid cycle often includes key molecules such as citrate, isocitrate, and succinyl-CoA, as well as the ATP and electron carrier production.
Oxidative Phosphorylation
Oxidative phosphorylation is the final stage of cellular respiration and occurs in the inner membrane of the mitochondria. In this stage, the high-energy electron carriers NADH and FADH2 donate their electrons to the electron transport chain, generating a large amount of ATP through a process known as chemiosmosis. The flow chart for oxidative phosphorylation typically includes the electron transport chain, ATP synthase, and the overall ATP production.