Explain the first stages of aerobic respiration that occur before the Krebs cycle.

Aerobic respiration is a controlled release of energy from organic compounds to produce ATP with the use of oxygen. It occurs in several stages:
Glycolysis starts with phosphorylation (addition of phosphate molecule) to glucose. Phosphorylated 6C sugar molecule is less stable, hence it is broken down into two 3C sugar molecules. They undergo oxidation-removal of hydrogen atoms. Energy released by oxidation is used to convert ADP to ATP. 2 pyruvate molecules are formed as a result from one glucose molecules. 
Link reaction link glycolysis with Krebs cycle. If oxygen is available pyruvate enters the mitochondrion, where oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate takes place. Oxidative, because hydrogen atoms are removed and decarboxylation, because of removal of CO2. As a result acetyl group is formed. It is attached to coenzyme A creating acetyl coenzyme A.

Answered by Agata K. Biology tutor

2109 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

What are the arguments for the endosymbiotic theory?


What are the key elements of an internal investigation?


Explain the types of enzyme inhibition


Outline how antibiotics offer protection from certain forms of infectious disease.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences