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Introduction to respiration
Respiration is the process by which cells obtain energy in the form of adenosine tri-phosphate or ATP.
ATP transfers chemical energy from the energy rich substances in the cell to the cell's energy requiring reactions.
When ATP breaks down, the energy created is used by the cell for processes such as active transport, DNA replication and muscle contraction.
The main respiratory substrate used by cells is 6-carbon glucose.
Respiration is a series of reactions in which 6-carbon glucose is oxidised to form carbon dioxide. The energy released due to the oxidation of glucose is used to synthesize ATP from adenosine diphosphate or ADP and inorganic phosphate or Pi.
Fats and proteins can also be used as respiratory substrates.
Respiration is a stepwise series of reactions involving oxidation and reduction. The mnemonic OIL RIG may help you remember.
In oxidation, energy is released:
- Oxidation
- Is
- Loss; the removal of hydrogen.
In reduction, energy is used up:
- Reduction
- Is
- Gain; the addition of hydrogen.
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