Question

In body cells O2 breaks glucose or pyruvic acid

Answer 1

The glucose molecules are initially broken into Pyruvic acid molecules by reaction with ATP molecules. These Pyruvic acid molecules are further broken down to Acetyl Coenzyme-A, which is common biomolecule that participates in metabolism. It is this Acetyl coA that burns with Oxygen and provides the energy. Aerobic respiration summed up

1. Glycolysis:

--- 2 ATPs + Glucose → 2 Pyruvic Acid + 4 Hydrogen + 4 ATPs

2. Formation of Acetyl CoA:

--- 2 Pyruvic Acid + 2 CoA → 2 Acetyl CoA + 2 Carbon Dioxide + 2 Hydrogen

3. Krebs Cycle:

--- 2 Acetyl CoA + 3 O2 → 6 Hydrogen + 4 Carbon Dioxide + 2 ATPs

4. Electron Transport System:

--- 12 Hydrogen + 3 O2 → 6 Water + 32 ATPs

Overall Reaction:

--- Glucose + 6 O2 → 6 Carbon Dioxide + 6 Water + 36 ATPs