Respiration is a Chemical Reaction
- Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and is defined as the chemical reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules to release energy
- It is the complete breakdown of glucose to release a relatively large amount of energy for use in cell processes
- It produces carbon dioxide and water as well as releasing useful cellular energy
Aerobic Respiration - Word Equation
Word equation for aerobic respiration
Balanced Symbol Equation for Aerobic Respiration
Balanced symbol equation for aerobic respiration, showing 2 mitochondria, the main site of aerobic respiration
Examiner Tip
Remember this equation is the same as the photosynthesis equation, only the other way around, so if you know one, you know the other one too!
There are usually 3 marks given for the aerobic respiration chemical equation in an exam:
- one for getting the correct formula for glucose and oxygen
- one for getting the correct formula for carbon dioxide and water
- one for balancing the equation correctly
So make sure you can do all three to gain maximum marks!
