Definition

Noun: 1. The biochemical process in cells that releases energy from organic compounds: Cellular respiration is the set of metabolic reactions and processes that occur within the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients (like glucose) into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products. This process involves the intake of oxygen, the breakdown of organic molecules, the production of carbon dioxide and water, and the transfer of energy to ATP.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The efficiency of cellular respiration determines how much energy an organism can produce from its food.
  • Oxygen is a critical reactant in aerobic cellular respiration.
  • During intense exercise, muscles may switch to anaerobic cellular respiration when oxygen is limited.

Advanced Usage

• "Aerobic cellular respiration": The form of respiration that requires oxygen (O₂) as the final electron acceptor. It is the most efficient method, producing a large amount of ATP.
  • Most eukaryotic organisms rely on aerobic cellular respiration for their energy needs.
• "Anaerobic cellular respiration": A form of respiration that uses molecules other than oxygen (e.g., sulfate, nitrate) as the final electron acceptor. It is less efficient than aerobic respiration.
  • Some bacteria and archaea perform anaerobic cellular respiration in environments without oxygen.

Variants and Related Words

• Respiration (n): Often used interchangeably with "cellular respiration," though it can also refer more broadly to the process of breathing (gas exchange).
• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) (n): The primary energy-carrying molecule produced during cellular respiration.
• Glycolysis (n): The first stage of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate.
• Krebs cycle (Citric Acid Cycle) (n): The second major stage in aerobic cellular respiration.
• Electron Transport Chain (n): The final and most ATP-productive stage of aerobic cellular respiration.

Synonyms

• Internal respiration: A less common synonym emphasizing the process occurs inside cells and tissues.
• Cell respiration: A direct variant.

Related Phrases

• "To undergo cellular respiration": To carry out the process of cellular respiration.
  • Every living cell must undergo cellular respiration to generate usable energy.

Noun

1. the metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic molecules; processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs