What are the three major steps of aerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration consists of three major steps: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

Glycolysis is the initial step occurring in the cytoplasm, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate, generating a small amount of ATP and NADH in the process. This is a crucial first step as it converts glucose into a form that can enter the mitochondria.

Following glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle) occurs in the mitochondria. This cycle not only processes the pyruvate into carbon dioxide, which is then released as a waste product, but it also produces ATP and high-energy electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) that are vital for the next step.

The final step is the electron transport chain, which takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here, the high-energy electrons from NADH and FADH2 are transferred through a series of proteins, ultimately leading to the production of a large amount of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Water is formed as a byproduct when electrons are added to oxygen.

Each of these steps is essential for the complete oxidation of glucose and maximizing ATP production, which is why this sequence is fundamental for cellular respiration in