Cellular Respiration
* Mitochondria: This is the powerhouse of the cell, where the majority of ATP (energy) is produced. Cellular respiration occurs in three main stages:
* Glycolysis: Occurs in the cytoplasm, breaking down glucose into pyruvate.
* Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.
* Electron Transport Chain: Occurs across the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the majority of ATP is generated.
Photosynthesis
* Chloroplasts: These organelles contain chlorophyll, the pigment that captures light energy. Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages:
* Light-Dependent Reactions: Occur in the thylakoid membranes within the chloroplast. Light energy is captured and used to create ATP and NADPH.
* Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle): Occur in the stroma (fluid surrounding the thylakoids). Carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using the energy from ATP and NADPH.
Important Note: While these processes occur in specific organelles, they are interconnected. For example, the pyruvate produced during glycolysis enters the mitochondria to fuel the Krebs Cycle.
