Page 9 - All about cells - FULL

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C E

Every cell in an organism needs energy to survive. The Sun is the source of energy for most
living organisms, either directly or indirectly. Plants use the Sun’s energy to make their own
food. Other organisms eat plants to obtain energy. We obtain energy through the food we eat.

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is a process by which cells break down glucose to release stored
energy. This process takes place in the mitochrondria and cytoplasm. Both autotrophs and
heterotrophs use cellular respiration to obtain energy from stored sugar molecules.

glucose
glucose

energy

mitochondrion

Cellular Respiration Equation

Cellular respiration can be summarized in a simple chemical equation. Glucose and oxygen
are broken down to carbon dioxide and water, and energy is produced.

C H O + 6 O 6 CO + 6 H O + energy
2
2
2
6
12
6
glucose oxygen carbon water
dioxide

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