Science & Passion 1: Origin of Energy – The Equation of Life
Origin of Energy – The Equation of Life What could be more instinctive to represent life than the breath itself? Our metabolism depends on it, and through this simple yet fundamental process, we access the very essence of energy. We need energy to fuel our brain, to move, to exist, and we produce it with every breath we take. 1. The Equation of Life Let’s begin with the foundation of it all: the equation of cellular respiration. C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 ---> 6CO 2 + 6H 2 O + ATP A simple equation we all know. We inhale oxygen, exhale carbon dioxide—but what about the rest? First, glucose. “You are what you eat.” The quality of our food directly impacts our energy levels. But even more fascinating, our cells transform this glucose into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), the universal energy currency of life. This energy fuels everything: our ability to move, work, create, digest, heal, and simply be. Now, take a moment. Every breath you take fuels ...