ABSTRACT
Respiration involves the breakdown of organic compounds to release energy that is conserved in the formation of Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). Mitochondrial respiration interacts with photosynthesis and photorespiration in the light. Aerobic respiration occurs in all multicellular eukaryotes. It is the process whereby complex organic compounds are broken down to release energy that is usually conserved in the form of ATP. Oxidative respiration can be seen as the reverse of photosynthesis. Indeed, biosynthesis is an important aspect of respiration, especially in plants. Glycolysis is a ubiquitous pathway occurring in nearly all living cells. In plants it is of crucial importance in that it is the major pathway that fuels respiration. Glyoxylate is produced during photorespiration. Mitochondrial respiration can be measured using an oxygen electrode. Isolated mitochondria are added to an isotonic buffer followed by a substrate. An emerging research area that is likely to alter our understanding of plant respiration is the identification of supercomplexes and metabolons.
