Process of Respiration (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)

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Respiration

  • Respiration is a chemical reaction carried out in all living organisms
  • Energy is released from glucose either in the presence of oxygen (aerobic respiration) or the absence of oxygen (anaerobic respiration)
  • The reactions ultimately result in the production of carbon dioxide and water as waste products
  • Energy is transferred in the form of ATP

Examiner Tip

Make sure not to confuse respiration with gas exchange. Gas exchange involves getting oxygen into the cells and carbon dioxide out. Respiration uses the oxygen supplied from gas exchange to release energy in the form of ATP. Remember energy is never made or produced!

ATP

  • During the process of cellular respiration, glucose is broken down and several molecules of ATP are produced
  • The energy required by organisms is released via these ATP molecules
  • ATP can be broken down to release energy for living processes to occur within cells and organisms
  • Processes requiring energy from ATP might include:
    • Chemical reactions to build larger molecules from smaller molecules
    • Muscle contraction to allow movement
    • Keeping warm (to maintain a constant temperature suitable for enzyme activity)

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Uses of the energy released from respiration

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Lára

Author: Lára

Expertise: Biology Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.