Process of Respiration (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)

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

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