What is the equation for aerobic respiration?

The equation for aerobic respiration is represented as glucose plus oxygen resulting in carbon dioxide and water. This process occurs in the presence of oxygen and is essential for producing energy in cells, specifically in muscle cells during exercise and in many other living organisms.

Aerobic respiration breaks down glucose completely, allowing the organism to extract a significant amount of energy, which is captured in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The byproducts of this reaction, carbon dioxide and water, are then expelled from the body, making this process crucial for maintaining energy levels and managing waste products during cellular metabolism.

This equation highlights the role of oxygen as an essential element for the process, distinguishing aerobic respiration from anaerobic respiration, where oxygen is not used and alternative products, such as lactic acid, are produced.