How is energy transfered in aerobic respiration?

In aerobic respiration, energy is transferred primarily through the process of oxidative phosphorylation, which occurs in the mitochondria. Glucose is broken down through glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, producing electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) that transport electrons to the electron transport chain. As electrons move through this chain, they release energy that is used to pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. This gradient drives ATP synthesis as protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, ultimately producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell.