Aerobic respiration is the cellular process of producing energy from glucose, a simple sugar, through the use of oxygen. This energy may then be used for the cell´s metabolism, or the cell ¨powerhouse¨ that carries out its various processes and regulatory functions.
General Chemical Reaction
In simplified terms, the chemical reaction for aerobic respiration is as follows: glucose + oxygen --> water + CO2 + ATP (energy). The source of energy lies in the bonds of a glucose molecule. This energy is released by the oxygen through a process called oxidation. Water and carbon dioxide (CO2) are additional byproducts.
Reaction Site
Aerobic respiration takes place in a series of steps. The first is called glycolysis, and occurs within the cell´s cytoplasm. The second and third reactions are called the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, which both occur in the mitochondria.
Anaerobic vs. Aerobic Respiration
There are actually two types of respiration. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen to synthesize ATP, whereas anaerobic respiration uses other substances to produce ATP. The latter is performed through a process called fermentation.
Breathing vs. Respiration
Many people misuse the term respiration to refer to what is simply breathing. Breathing is the intake of oxygen needed for the overall process of respiration. Respiration is a process that is performed on the cellular level by every cell in the body.
The Fixation of Oxygen in Humans
In order to get their oxygen, humans force in air from the atmosphere with movements of the chest and diaphragm. This air is drawn into the lungs, where alveoli absorb the oxygen and pass it to the bloodstream. The blood then circulates oxygen throughout the body so that cells may perform respiration.
Tags: process called, respiration uses, This energy, through process, through process called