* Cytoplasm: The initial stage of glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm. This is where glucose is broken down into pyruvate.
* Mitochondria: The majority of cellular respiration happens in the mitochondria. Specifically, the following processes occur here:
* Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle): Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.
* Electron transport chain: Occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This is where the majority of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell, is produced.
While plant cells perform cellular respiration, they also use sunlight to generate energy through photosynthesis. This process takes place in chloroplasts. It's important to remember that cellular respiration and photosynthesis are distinct processes, though they are interconnected and essential for the survival of plants.
