During the cellular respiration process, the energy stored in the bonds of glucose is transferred to a molecule called ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during cellular respiration:
1. Glycolysis:
- Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate.
- This process takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell and produces a net gain of 2 ATP molecules.
2. Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle):
- Pyruvate molecules are further broken down in the mitochondria.
- This cycle releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a byproduct.
- The Krebs Cycle generates high-energy molecules, including NADH and FADH₂, which carry energy to the next stage.
3. Electron Transport Chain (ETC):
- The high-energy molecules NADH and FADH₂ from the Krebs Cycle donate electrons to the Electron Transport Chain located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
- As electrons pass through this chain, a series of reactions occur that produce a lot of ATP.
- Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in this chain, forming water (H₂O) as a byproduct.
In summary, throughout this entire process (glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle, and the Electron Transport Chain), the energy originally stored in the bonds of glucose is ultimately transferred to ATP. This ATP serves as the primary energy currency of the cell, fueling various cellular processes and activities.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
The energy is transferred to ATP.
