Question

What is the significance of stepwise release of energy in respiration?

Answer 1

Aerobic respiration is divided into four phases, namely glycolysis, TCA cycle, ETS and oxidative phosphorylation. During aerobic respiration, ATP is produced in a stepwise manner. In this, the product of one phase forms the substrate of the other phase. Also, several molecules produced are involved in other biochemical processes. The respiratory substrates enter and withdraw from pathway as per requirement. ATP is utilized wherever required and enzymatic rates are generally controlled. This stepwise release of energy makes the system more efficient in obtaining and storing energy.