Respiration

The glucose, proteins and other molecules produced by the plants can be consumed by animals The glucose undergoes respiration in cells in three different stages, each involving inorganic ions. Hydrolysis of ATP produces ADP + a phosphate ion which can be used to phosphorylate glucose in the cytoplasm during glycolysis. This phosphorylation makes the glucose more reactive and prevents it from leaving the cell. Following the transfer of h ions to coenzymes such as NAD, the pyruvate formed enters the mitochondrion + is decarboxylated + oxidised, in the process transferring its h ions + e- to NAD + FAD. These h ions are pumped into the inter-membrane spaces of the cristae and are used to create a proton gradient to form ATP as part of oxidative phosphorylation.