I think there sites can explain better than me. Take a look:

http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/cellresp.htm

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultran … ation.html

http://www.sirinet.net/~jgjohnso/respiration.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_respiration

If something is not clear, please ask…

yeah i actually probably wouldnt go into details of chemicals and chemical functions involved in respiration but i would explain the the miotchondria are the “powerhouses” of a cell and that food is broken down into molecules that the cell can use. probably explain that certain molecules help the mitochondria carry electrons so that cellular energy can be produced.

The glucose molecule(C6H1206) is iniatially broken down in the cytoplasm into 2 molecules of piruvic acid(CH3-CO-COOH). This releases energy for 2 molecules of ATP. Then the piruvic acid enters the mithocondria and combines itself with a coenzime called a coenzime(CoA) and forms CH3-CO-CoA+ CO2. There are also some electrons and protons set loose that will turn NAD+ into NADH. When the CH3-CO-CoA breaks down it releases energy and allows the acetil radical to enter what is called the Krebs Cycle. The Krebs Cycle releases an extra 2 molecules of ATP. When it is over you have 4 molecules of CO2 and a lot of electrons and protons(which are fixed onto NADH and FADH). by transporting these protons and electrons through(i appologise if this is not the corect translation)the process of oxydativ phosphorilation you get another 32(or 34 in some books) molecules of ATP. So, in the end from the original molecule of glucose you get 6CO2, 6H2O and 36 molecules of ATP.
An ellementry school child probably wouldn’t understand this
😀 😀

The number of ATP produced at the end can be different. this is because of the reaction way used in a stage.

Details pls Poison
What do you mean?

This is about the way of traveling NADH (formed between glyceraldehyde 2 phosphate an 1,3 biphosphoglycerate) to mitochondria. (look at the whole reaction) When that NADH reaches to mitochondria, it gives its electron to FAD or NAD (in mitochondria). If it gives its electron to FAD 36 ATP is produced (the way is called: Glycerole 3 phosphate dehydrogenase). If it gives its electron to NAD 38 ATP is formed. (the way is called:malate dehydrogenase).

Hope I didn’t make any mistakes in translation. 🙂

It can also differ if you start with proteins or fats…

thats right thank.darwin.

I was thinking it might have something to do with NAD and FAD. 10x for making that clear Poison

You’re welcome. 🙂