Biological Systems

Cellular
Respiration

The microscopic "power plant" within every living cell. A complex chemical process turning raw nutrients into the universal energy currency of life.

Universal Currency

Energy for everything from moving a finger to protein synthesis.

"Breathing is just the logistics of moving air; respiration is the actual business of turning that air and food into life."

The delivery truck. Moves oxygen in, hauls CO₂ out.

The factory. The chemical work happens here inside the cell.

Aerobic HIGH EFFICIENCY

Clean-burning power plant. Uses oxygen to fully break down glucose.

CO₂ Water

Anaerobic EMERGENCY BACKUP

Portable generator mode. Kicks in during sprints or for yeast survival.

Lactic Acid Ethanol

The hardware of energy production.

Specialized hardware housing the aerobic reactions.

Internal folds providing massive surface area, like radiator fins.

"Your mitochondria are like high-performance engines: they need the right fuel and temperature, or the system 'redlines'."

Temperature Sensitivity Enzyme Limit

Too cold = Sluggish. Too hot = Denaturation (Enzymes melt).

Glucose Availability Bottleneck

Rate plateaus even with extra glucose once enzymes are saturated.

01

Energy transfer is the entire purpose.

02

Cytoplasm vs. Mitochondrial Cristae.

03

Aerobic (Clean) vs. Anaerobic (Fast).

04

Enzyme driven & Heat sensitive.