What is aerobic respiration?
BiologyClass 10CBSEAnswered 28 May 2026
Answer
Aerobic respiration breaks down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy.
Overall equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (36–38 ATP)
Three stages:
- Glycolysis — cytoplasm; glucose → pyruvate
- Krebs Cycle — mitochondrial matrix; pyruvate fully oxidized
- Electron Transport Chain — inner mitochondrial membrane; most ATP produced
This is why mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Far more efficient than anaerobic (38 ATP vs. 2 ATP).
Aerobic respiration breaks down glucose using oxygen to produce CO₂, water, and large amounts of energy (ATP) in the mitochondria.
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