While the mitochondria are the main players, here's a breakdown of where other crucial steps happen:
* Glycolysis: This first stage of cellular respiration takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. It breaks down glucose into pyruvate.
* Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): This occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, the inner space of the mitochondria.
* Electron Transport Chain: This final stage takes place on the inner mitochondrial membrane. It uses the electrons from glucose to power the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
So, while the mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of the cell for aerobic respiration, the process relies on multiple compartments within the cell.