How Do Cells Control the Rate of Cellular Respiration?
How Cellular Respiration Works Cell respiration is a complex process, with three different cycles. Glycolysis is responsible for breaking down glucose, and the electron transport chain takes electrons from the decomposition of glucose and uses them to generate adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), which the cells use for energy. The Krebs cycle teams with glycolysis in glucose breakdown, but also stores the energy from that in ATP. In the absence of oxygen, cells may resort to anaerobic respiration, which is much less efficient but still provides fuel to the cell so it can function properly. Anaerobic respiration may begin when the body is working so hard that it cannot provide enough oxygen to produce the necessary energy–for example, during a race or a very intense workout. Controlling Cellular Respiration The rate of cell respiration is determined by supply and demand, just like gas prices. If the body is working hard, cell respiration speeds up, and when demand is not so high (during sle
