Biology Forum Cell Biology Analogy-Cellular Respiration

last updated by Miko 19 years, 1 month ago
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    • #505
      Miko
      Participant

      If you were to explain cellular respiration to an elementary school child, how would you do it (ie. kreb’s cycle, NADH, FADH, etc.). [/i]I understand this, but then again, I don’t.

      Looking forward to hearing from someone. A special thanks to all of you biology scholars! : 🙂

    • #20366
      Poison
      Participant
    • #20436
      adidasty
      Participant

      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.

    • #20439
      MrMistery
      Participant

      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
      😀 😀

    • #20443
      Poison
      Participant

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

    • #20448
      MrMistery
      Participant

      Details pls Poison
      What do you mean?

    • #20452
      Poison
      Participant

      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. 🙂

    • #20453
      thank.darwin
      Participant
      quote Poison:

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

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

    • #20454
      Poison
      Participant
      quote thank.darwin:

      quote Poison:

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

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

      thats right thank.darwin.

    • #20456
      MrMistery
      Participant

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

    • #20457
      Poison
      Participant

      You’re welcome. 🙂

    • #20469
      Miko
      Participant

      Dear Bio Scholars . . . thank you for your feedback regarding an explanation of cell respiration to elemenary school-aged children.

      Miko

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