What is the process for aerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration starts with glycolysis. Even though glycolysis can proceed without oxygen, it is still the first step. In glycolysis, a molecule of glucose is broken down into 2 pyruvates. Also, 2 (net) ATP are made, as well as NADH. Next is the Krebs cycle. In this process, the pyruvates that were made in glycolysis are converted into 2 acetyl-CoA molecules. This releases carbon dioxide. Then, the acetyl-CoA molecules enter the cycle and three things are formed: 2 molecules of ATP, NADH, and FADH2. Last is the electron transport chain (ETC). The electrons carried by NADH and FADH2 are donated to the ETC. The electrons go through a chain of molecules, losing energy along the way. This helps pump hydrogen ions out of the inner mitochondrion compartment and into the outer compartment. This sets up a concentration gradient of H+ ions… and as the H+ diffuses back inside, ATP is made. Around 32 ATP are made through the ETC. Finally, when the electrons are finished, they combine with H
