Process of Respiration (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)

• 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

• 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)

Uses of the energy released from respiration