Study GuideMicrobiology–Microbial Metabolism1.Cellular RespirationMicroorganisms need energy to grow, move, and carry out life processes. Some microorganisms,such ascyanobacteria, can capture energy from sunlight throughphotosynthesisand store it incarbohydrates. The main carbohydrate produced during photosynthesis isglucose.However, many microorganisms—such asnon-photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, and protozoa—cannot make their own food. These organisms must obtainpreformed carbohydratesfrom theenvironment. To release energy from these carbohydrates, they use a process calledcellularrespiration.1.1What Is Cellular Respiration?Cellular respirationis the process by which microorganisms break down carbohydrates, especiallyglucose, to release energy.During this process:•Glucose is broken down step by step•Energy is captured and stored asATP (adenosine triphosphate)•Carbon dioxide (CO₂)is released as a waste product•Oxygenis used as the final acceptor of electronsThe ATP produced is used later for cellular activities. The carbon dioxide released can be reused byphotosynthetic organisms to make new carbohydrates.1.2Major Stages of Cellular RespirationCellular respiration occurs infour main stages:1.Glycolysis2.Krebs cycle3.Electron transport system4.ChemiosmosisPreview Mode
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