Question

The following processes for energy production occur in cells, glycolysis and aerobic respiration, which consists of 2 steps. Compare the output (energy efficiency) of each process.

Please explain in a simple manner.

Answer 1

Glycolysis is the way of producing energy in which glucose is broken down and this yields us with only 2 molecules of ATP. ATP is produced during this process but they are very less in number. It is the process in which glucose is converted into a pyruvate. This process takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Aerobic respiration on the other hand releases energy slowly but it breaks down glucose completely into CO2 . This process yields with 38 ATPs. This a series of reactions that involves the production of energy in a cell

Energy efficiency means that the amount of energy utilized in performing a work should be less and work should also be effective.

Now if we see glycolysis, it breaks the same glucose molecule but produces only 2 ATPs while on the other hand aerobic respiration produces 38 ATPs by breaking the same glucose molecule.

So aerobic respiration is more energy efficient than glycolysis .

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