Aerobic respiration

• Respiration is a chemical reaction which releases energy from food
• The respiratory system exchanges the gases which are involved in respiration
• The seven life processes

  • Movement
  • Respiration
  • Sensitivity
  • Growth
  • Reproduction
  • Excretion
  • Nutrition
• Respiration provides the energy required for the seven life processes
• Respiration also provides energy for muscle contraction, nerve impulses, cell division and protein synthesis
• Respiration releases energy in the form of heat which is used to maintain the relatively high body temperature of mammals and birds
• Aerobic respiration

  Respiration that needs oxygen
• Aerobic respiration


  Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy in the form of ATP
• ATP


  The energy currency of the cell that temporarily stores energy in a high energy bond
• Aerobic respiration happens all the time in animals and plants
• Respiration is different to breathing (ventilation)
• Mitochondria

  • Structures in the cytoplasm of all cells where aerobic respiration takes place
  • The inner membrane is folded inwards, providing a large surface area for the attachment of enzymes which catalyse the process of respiration
• Aerobic respiration is the complete breakdown of glucose
• Aerobic respiration releases the most energy which is around 36 ATP