Cellular respiration is a series of redox reactions where organic molecules, like glucose, are oxidized to release energy. Glucose ([latex]C_6H_{12}O_6[/latex]) is oxidized to [latex]CO_2[/latex], while oxygen ([latex]O_2[/latex]) is reduced to water ([latex]H_2O[/latex]). This process transfers electrons through an electron transport chain, creating a proton gradient that drives the synthesis of ATP, the cell’s primary energy currency.
Redox in Cellular Respiration
1940
Cellular respiration is a controlled, multi-step oxidation of glucose. Unlike direct combustion, which releases energy explosively as heat, the cell breaks down glucose gradually through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. In this cascade, electrons are stripped from glucose and its intermediates and transferred to electron carriers like [latex]NAD^+[/latex] and [latex]FAD[/latex], reducing them to [latex]NADH[/latex] and [latex]FADH_2[/latex].
These reduced coenzymes then donate their high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain (ETC), a series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. As electrons are passed down the chain, they move to successively lower energy levels. The final electron acceptor is molecular oxygen, which is highly electronegative and is reduced to form water. The energy released during this electron transfer is used to 泵 protons ([latex]H^+[/latex]) from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, establishing an electrochemical gradient. This proton-motive force is a form of stored energy. The flow of protons back into the matrix through an enzyme called ATP synthase powers the synthesis of large amounts of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, a process called chemiosmosis.
UNESCO Nomenclature: 2406
– Biochemistry
类型
Chemical Process
Disruption
Foundational
使用方法
Widespread Use
Precursors
- discovery of enzymes
- antoine lavoisier’s work showing respiration is a form of slow combustion
- elucidation of the structure of glucose
- discovery of atp and its role in energy transfer
应用
- understanding metabolic diseases
- development of drugs targeting metabolic pathways (e.g., metformin)
- exercise physiology
- food science and preservation
- biotechnology (e.g., microbial fuel cells)
专利：
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Potential Innovations Ideas
Related to: cellular respiration, metabolism, ATP, electron transport chain, krebs cycle, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria
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Historical Context
(if date is unknown or not relevant, e.g. "fluid mechanics", a rounded estimation of its notable emergence is provided)
Related Invention, Innovation & Technical Principles
