Question

Short / Long Answer Types :
Explain, why the process of glycolysis and cellular respiration releases the energy of glucose in small quantities rather than all at once.

Answer 1

• The energy released by a glucose molecule is quite high. To avoid energy imbalance and direct liberation of energy which may cause cell death, the energy is released in bits.
  
• The high energy electrons are stored in the forms of NADH and FADH${}_2$.
  
• They are mobilised through the various complexes of the electron transport chain to release the energy. The electrons are finally accepted by the oxygen molecule.
  
• The energy is manifested in the hydrogen gradient and is exploited by the ATP synthetase molecule.