Let us make an in-depth study of the role of phosphorus in energy trapping and transfer during cellular metabolism with diagram. As early as 1905, phosphorus atom was found to be involved in a vital role in cellular metabolism, when Harden and Young discovered that alcoholic fermentation occurs only when inorganic phosphate (PO4- - -) is present. This discovery was [...]
Cellular Respiration and Combustion! Cellular respiration is primarily an energy-yielding dissimilation process and a phenomenon exhibited by all living organisms (plants, animals and microorganisms). In this process high energy containing substances, generally carbohydrates (starch, glycogen, sucrose, glucose) or proteins or lipids are broken down into a stepwise manner, under enzymatic control, into simpler substances of lower energy content. Energy is [...]
In this article, we will discuss about the energy yield of aerobic respiration and advantages of stepwise oxidation. Total ATP Production from Glucose Oxidation: Let us now calculate the total ATP production from the complete oxidation of a glucose molecule to CO2 and H2O under aerobic conditions. 1. Glycolysis: It provides 2 ATP molecules and 2 NADH + 2H+. 2. [...]