What is aerobic respiration?

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.