After glucose is fully oxidized by glycolysis, pyruvate processing, and the citric acid cycle, where is most of its energy stored?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that glucose oxidation involves glycolysis, pyruvate processing, and the citric acid cycle, which are stages of cellular respiration.
2. Recognize that during these processes, glucose is broken down, and energy is transferred to carrier molecules.
3. Identify that the main energy carriers involved are NADH and FADH2, which are reduced forms of NAD+ and FAD.
4. Acknowledge that these carriers store high-energy electrons that were originally part of the glucose molecule.
5. Conclude that most of the energy from glucose is stored in the form of high-energy electrons within NADH and FADH2, which will be used in the electron transport chain to produce ATP.

Key Concepts

Glycolysis

Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH in the process. It occurs in the cytoplasm and is the first step in cellular respiration, setting the stage for further energy extraction from glucose.

Citric Acid Cycle

The Citric Acid Cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a series of chemical reactions that occur in the mitochondria. It processes acetyl-CoA derived from pyruvate, generating high-energy electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) and releasing carbon dioxide, which is crucial for energy production.

Electron Transport Chain

The Electron Transport Chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It utilizes the high-energy electrons from NADH and FADH2 to create a proton gradient, ultimately leading to the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, where most of the energy from glucose is stored.