What molecules make up the cellular membrane?

The mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they are the primary site of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production through aerobic respiration. ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell, providing energy for various cellular processes such as muscle contraction, active transport, biosynthesis, and cell division. Mitochondria contain their own DNA and ribosomes, enabling them to produce some of the proteins required for their function. However, their most critical role is in ATP production through the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, processes that occur within the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Glycolysis is the first step in the process of cellular respiration, which is the metabolic pathway by which cells generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and involves the breakdown of glucose, a six-carbon sugar, into two molecules of pyruvate, a three-carbon compound. During glycolysis, glucose is oxidized and ATP is produced through substrate-level phosphorylation. Glycolysis is anaerobic, meaning it does not require oxygen, and is common to both aerobic and anaerobic respiration pathways.

The process described, where many solute particles must use a channel protein to move from a high concentration inside the cell to a lower concentration outside the cell, is called "Facilitated diffusion." This process involves the passive movement of molecules across a biological membrane with the assistance of transport proteins. Channel proteins are one type of transport protein that facilitates the diffusion of specific molecules, such as ions or polar molecules, across the membrane by providing a channel through which these molecules can pass. Facilitated diffusion does not require energy input from the cell and occurs down the concentration gradient, from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.

The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle, takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for generating ATP through aerobic respiration. The Krebs cycle is a key metabolic pathway occurring in the matrix of mitochondria, where acetyl-CoA molecules derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are further oxidized to produce ATP, NADH, FADH2, and carbon dioxide. These energy-rich molecules serve as substrates for the electron transport chain, leading to the production of additional ATP molecules.