5.7.3 The Four Stages in Aerobic Respiration

Question 1

Where does aerobic respiration occur?

Answer 1

Glucose is the main respiratory substrate used by cells

Aerobic respiration is the process of breaking down a respiratory substrate in order to produce ATP using oxygen

The process of aerobic respiration using glucose can be split into four stages

Each stage occurs at a particular location in a eukaryotic cell:
Glycolysis takes place in the cell cytoplasm
The Link reaction takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria
The Krebs cycle takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria
Oxidative phosphorylation occurs at the inner membrane of the mitochondria

Question 2

What is glycolysis?

Answer 2

• Phosphorylation and splitting of glucose
• Occurs in cell cytoplasm

Question 3

What is the link reaction?

Answer 3

• Decarboxylation and dehydrogenation of pyruvate
• Occurs in matrix of mitochondria

Question 4

What is the Krebs cycle?

Answer 4

• Cyclical pathway with enzyme-controlled reactions
• Occurs in matrix of mitochondria

Question 5

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

Answer 5

• Production of ATP through oxidation of hydrogen atoms.