Aerobic respiration Flashcards – Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Biology 0970 (Extended) (2026–2028)

What is aerobic respiration?

A series of chemical reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules and release energy.

What is the word equation for aerobic respiration of glucose?

$\text{glucose} + \text{oxygen} \rightarrow \text{carbon dioxide} + \text{water}$

Why is energy not included among the products in the word equation for aerobic respiration?

Energy is released during the reactions, but it is not a substance.

What is the balanced overall chemical equation for aerobic respiration of glucose?

$\ce{C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O}$

Why is the overall chemical equation for aerobic respiration of glucose balanced?

It has the same number of atoms of each element—carbon, hydrogen and oxygen—on both sides.