What is respiration?
Answer
Respiration is the biochemical process by which cells break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
The working
Definition
Respiration is the process of breaking down food (glucose) in cells to release energy that powers life activities.
Energy currency
The energy released is stored in molecules of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which cells use as needed.
Aerobic vs anaerobic
Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and releases much energy, giving CO₂ and water; anaerobic respiration happens without oxygen and releases less energy, giving products like lactic acid or ethanol.
Equation
In aerobic respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy.
Site
It begins in the cytoplasm (glycolysis) and is completed in the mitochondria, which are called the powerhouse of the cell.
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