Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration converts nutrients, primarily glucose, into ATP. Glycolysis breaks glucose into pyruvate and produces a net yield of 2 ATP and 2 NADH. The electron transport chain produces most ATP by using electron flow to pump protons and power ATP synthase. Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain and forms water with electrons and protons. In the Krebs cycle, pyruvate enters mitochondria, becomes acetyl-CoA, and combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate. Micronutrient deficiency can compromise mitochondrial function.