GLOSSARY

The oxidative (aerobic) system is the pathway that, in the mitochondria and using oxygen, fully breaks down carbohydrates, fats, and a little protein to carbon dioxide and water, producing the largest amount of ATP.

Stages

• Fuel entry: pyruvate from glycolysis, or fatty acids via beta-oxidation, are converted to acetyl coenzyme A.
• Krebs cycle: produces NADH and FADH₂.
• Electron transport chain: produces most of the ATP and consumes oxygen on the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Yield