Name: _________________________ Grade & Sec.
________________ Date: ___________ Score: ______
CELLULAR RESPIRATION
What is Cellular Respiration?
Cellular respiration is the metabolic process cells use to convert nutrients, primarily glucose, into
energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is often called the "energy currency of the cell"
because it's the molecule that powers most cellular activities.
The overall process of cellular respiration can be summarized by a simple chemical equation, which
highlights the main reactants and products. The primary reactants are glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), a sugar molecule
that serves as the cell's fuel, and oxygen (O2), which is consumed during the process to help extract energy
from the glucose. Through a series of chemical reactions, these reactants are transformed into the main
products: carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ATP (energy). Carbon dioxide and water are released as
byproducts, while a large amount of ATP is produced to power all of the cell's metabolic activities. This
equation, therefore, represents the fundamental conversion of chemical energy from food into usable energy
for life.
The ATP molecules made during cellular respiration are used for
three main types of work inside a cell:
Building things: ATP provides the energy to build bigger molecules from smaller ones. For example, it
helps put together proteins and DNA. This is important for growth and repair.
Moving things: ATP is the fuel for all movement inside a cell. This includes muscles contracting so you
can walk and run, as well as the movement of chromosomes when a cell divides.
Transporting things: ATP helps move substances, like nutrients and waste, in and out of the cell. It's
especially important for moving things against their natural flow, like a pump pushing water uphill.
Task 1: Answer the questions:
1. What are the inputs (reactants) of cellular respiration?
2. What are the outputs (products)?
3. Why is ATP essential for cells?
Where does cellular respiration occur?
In eukaryotic cells (plants/animals), respiration occurs in mitochondria.
PARTS FUNCTION
Outer Membrane Protective barrier
Inner Membrane Folded into cristae (site of ETC happens here;
folds of inner membrane that increase the surface
area of inner membrane, allowing more space for
the chemical reactions of cellular respiration to
occur. Their main function is to house the proteins
and enzymes of the electron transport chain,
which is a crucial step in producing ATP.
This houses the electron transport chain.
Matrix Fluid-filled space containing enzymes (stroma-
define) for the Krebs cycle.
Intermembrane Region between membranes; stores H⁺ ions for
space ATP production.
Task 2: Answer the following guide questions:
1. Where in the mitochondrion is the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) located?
2. In which part of the mitochondrion does the Krebs cycle occur?
3. What is the main purpose of the folds in the inner membrane (cristae)?
4. In which part of the chloroplast does the Calvin cycle (or "dark reactions") occur?
What are the two types of respiration?
Cellular respiration is how living things get energy from food. There are two main types: aerobic and
anaerobic, depending on whether oxygen is available.
Features Aerobic Respiration Anaerobic Respiration
Oxygen Has oxygen (O2) No oxygen (O2)
Requirement
Metabolic pathway Enters the mitochondria for the Krebs Stays in the cytoplasm to undergo
Cycle fermentation
ATP Yield (per Approximately 36-38 ATP 2 ATP (from glycolysis)
glucose molecule)
Stages Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Glycolysis and Fermentation
Transport Chain (E.T.C.)
Location Cytoplasm, then mitochondria Cytoplasm
Glycolysis A glucose molecule and 2 ATP molecules A glucose molecule and 2 ATP
requirements to start the process. molecules to start the process.
Glycolysis products 2 pyruvate molecules, 4 ATP molecules (2 2 pyruvate molecules, 4 ATP molecules
net gain), and 2 NADH molecules (2 net gain), and 2 NADH molecules
Examples Humans, most animals, plants Bacteria, yeast, muscle cells during
strenuous exercise
Task 3: Answer the following guide questions:
1. What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
2. Which requires oxygen? (aerobic/anaerobic)
3. Which does not require oxygen?
4. What is required for glycolysis to start?
5. What is produced by glycolysis?
6. If there is no oxygen, what will happen to pyruvate?
7. If there is oxygen, what will happen to pyruvate?
8. Which produces more ATP? (aerobic or anaerobic)
9. Why is lactic acid fermentation important for animals during strenuous activity?
10. How is carbon dioxide produced during alcoholic fermentation, and why is it significant in food
production?
How does Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle and Electron Transport Chain work together?
Just like you need food for energy, your cells "eat" glucose (sugar) to make ATP (energy molecules).
This process happens in three main steps.
First, glycolysis (which means "sugar-splitting") takes place in the cell's liquid cytoplasm. Here, one
glucose molecule and 2 ATP starter energy molecules go in, and the process produces 2 smaller sugar pieces
called pyruvate, a profit of 2 ATP, and 2 NADH energy carriers.
Next, the Krebs Cycle (also called the citric acid cycle) works like an energy factory inside the jelly-
like matrix of the mitochondria. The pyruvate from glycolysis gets changed into Acetyl-CoA before entering this
cycle. This step makes 2 more ATP, creates 8 NADH and 2 FADH₂ (which are like energy delivery trucks), and
releases CO₂ as waste - the same gas you breathe out!
Finally, the Electron Transport Chain (ETC), the big energy maker, happens on the folded inner
membrane of the mitochondria. It uses all those NADH and FADH₂ energy carriers from earlier plus oxygen
you breathe in. This powerful step makes lots of ATP (about 28-34 molecules) and produces water (H ₂O) as a
byproduct.
Together, these three steps turn one glucose molecule into about 30-32 ATP molecules that power
everything your body does! The CO₂ you exhale and the water in your cells both come from this amazing
process that turns your food into usable energy.
Task 4: Complete the table:
Stage Inputs Outputs Location
Glycolysis Glucose, 2 ATP 1) ____________ 2) ____________
Kreb’s Cycle 3) ____________ 4) ____________ Mitochondrial Matrix
5) ___________ 6) ATP (about 28-34 Inner mitochondrial
molecules) membrane
H2O (byproduct)
What are the key differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
Task 5: Refer to the diagram below and use the provided word bank to fill in the blanks in the paragraph to
describe the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two vital biological processes that are opposite yet
interconnected. Photosynthesis is an anabolic process that occurs in the 1)_______________ of plants,
algae, and some bacteria. This process requires 2)_______________ and 3)_______________ from the
environment, along with light energy, to produce the energy-rich molecule 4)_______________ and
5)_______________. This occurs during the 6)_______________, when sunlight is available.
In contrast, cellular respiration is a catabolic process that is performed by 7)_______________. It
takes the 8)_______________ and 9)_______________ produced by photosynthesis to create usable energy
in the form of 10)_______________. This process also yields 11)_______________ and
12)_______________ as byproducts and takes place in the 13)_______________ and 14)_______________
of the cell. Cellular respiration occurs 15)_______________, regardless of the time of day.
The two processes form a continuous cycle, as the products of one become the reactants for the other,
ensuring a constant flow of energy that sustains life.
ZABarrameda
