Information on Cellular Respiration

Respiration doesn't always involve air.

Cellular respiration is the key way in which a cell will gain useful energy. It occurs in organisms' cells as the metabolic reaction and process which converts biochemical energy found in nutrients into adenosine triphoshate (ATP).

Breakdown of Cellular Respiration

The intention of cellular respiration is to harvest the electrons found in organic compounds and use that energy to make ATP. This then provides enough energy for the cell to be able to work.

Types of Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration consists of two types known as aerobic cellular respiration and anaerobic cellular respiration. The difference between the two is aerobic respiration requires the use of oxygen while anaerobic does not. The most common type of anaerobic respiration is a process known as fermentation.

Evolution of Cellular Respiration

In modern times, almost all organisms use some form of fermentation. This indicates that cellular respiration evolved long ago in evolutionary history, whereas aerobic respiration has been added to fermentation throughout time.

References

• State University of New York: Cellular Respiration
• Johnson County Community College: Cellular Respiration Overview