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The energy derived from food is transferred to ATP in a process that has three major stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Up to 36 molecules of ATP can be produced by the breakdown of a single molecule of glucose in these three stages. Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle also yield electron carriers that transport electrons to the electron transport chain. Oxygen is consumed during electron transport chain metabolism, while water and carbon dioxide are products. Glycolysis takes place in the cytosol of the cell, but the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain take place in the mitochondria. |