Learn more about cellular respiration and how molecules are split to release energy through oxidation.

This course begins by discussing the fundamentals of cellular respiration. You will study the Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), also known as the energy currency of biological systems, which is a complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells. You will also learn that the most important biochemical reaction, especially to us humans, is cellular respiration. You will look at oxidation and reduction from a biological point-of-view as well as oxidation and reduction in cellular respiration.

You will then study the Krebs / Citric Acid Cycle. The Krebs cycle is named after Hans Krebs and is a part of cellular respiration. It is also called the citric acid cycle and is the series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy. You will study glycolysis which is the process of breaking down glucose, the electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation which is the process in which ATP is formed, and chemiosmosis.

Upon the completion of this course, you will have gained a better understanding of ATP— the currency of energy in life forms, how foodstuffs are broken down into simpler molecules, how hydrogen is separated out over a series of steps, and how the separation of hydrogen releases energy. You will also be able to identify the terminology associated with respiration. Check out this course and learn more about the conversion of our food into energy.