Aerobic Respiration - GCSE Biology Definition

Aerobic respiration is a biological process that takes place in the cells of living organisms, where glucose is broken down using oxygen to release energy. This process occurs in the mitochondria and produces ATP, the energy currency of the cell. The GCSE Biology word equation for aerobic respiration is:

glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy).

Aerobic respiration is important for activities that require continuous energy, such as walking or running, because it produces much more energy than anaerobic respiration. It helps organisms convert food into usable energy for growth, repair, and other life processes.