# Aerobic respiration

Releasing energy from glucose using oxygen. It makes carbon dioxide and water.

Biology (school) · Part 02: Moving materials, enzymes and energy · Card 8 of 11 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

Burning fuel slowly in a controlled way to power a machine.

## Example

**Word equation**

glucose + oxygen
-> carbon dioxide + water
(+ energy released)

## In practice

You breathe faster during exercise to get more oxygen for your muscles.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **What is the word equation for aerobic respiration?** Glucose + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water, releasing energy.

### Interview questions

**Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration in humans.**

- Aerobic uses oxygen and releases more energy
- Aerobic makes carbon dioxide and water
- Anaerobic makes lactic acid
- Anaerobic is used when oxygen is short, such as in a sprint

## Questions people ask

### Is respiration the same as breathing?

No. Breathing is moving air in and out of the lungs. Respiration is the chemical reaction inside cells that releases energy from glucose. The two are linked, because breathing brings oxygen to the cells for respiration and removes the carbon dioxide that respiration makes.

### What is the energy from respiration used for?

Cells use it to build large molecules from smaller ones, such as proteins. Muscles use it to contract. Mammals and birds use it to keep a steady body temperature. Plants use it to take in mineral ions by active transport and to make new cells as they grow.

## Related concepts

- [Anaerobic respiration](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-2/biology-school-part-2-concept-9)
- [Photosynthesis](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-2/biology-school-part-2-concept-6)
- [Limiting factor](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-2/biology-school-part-2-concept-7)

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