Biological oxidation

• Biological oxidation refers to the process by which living organisms extract energy from organic molecules, playing a critical role in metabolism.
• It involves the controlled release of energy to form ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell.
• This process occurs through interconnected pathways like glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, taking place in different parts of the cell (cytoplasm and mitochondria in eukaryotes).

1. Glycolysis of Biological oxidation

   • Occurs in the cytoplasm, where glucose (a six-carbon sugar) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate.
   • Generates a small amount of ATP and NADH.

2. Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs or TCA Cycle)

   • Pyruvate enters the mitochondria and is converted to acetyl-CoA, which feeds into the cycle.
   • This cycle produces ATP, NADH, FADH2, and carbon dioxide as by-products.

3. Oxidative Phosphorylation

   • Occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
   • NADH and FADH2 donate electrons to the electron transport chain, generating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase.

• Biological oxidation differs from combustion by proceeding in small, controlled steps, allowing efficient energy capture while regulating ROS (reactive oxygen species) to prevent cellular damage.

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