Question

What is the significanceof step-wise release of energy in respiration?

Answer 1

Theprocess of aerobic respiration is divided into four phases –glycolysis, TCA cycle, ETS, and oxidativephosphorylation. It is generally assumed that the process ofrespiration and production of ATP in each phase takes place in astep-wise manner. The product of one pathway forms the substrate ofthe other pathway. Various molecules produced during respiration areinvolved in other biochemical processes. The respiratory substratesenter and withdraw from pathway on necessity. ATP gets utilizedwherever required and enzymatic rates are generally controlled. Thus,the step-wise release of energy makes the system more efficient inextracting and storing energy.