Open the App

Subjects

Biology

28 Nov 2025

271

1 page

GCSE Biology: Detailed Aerobic Respiration Study Notes

user profile picture

Erin @erin_agwa

Your body needs energy for everything you do, from playing football to thinking through a maths problem. Aerobic... Show more

26/1/21
aerobic
Taue SL
1) light intensity, concentration of carbon dioxide, water.
2) As the distance increases, light intensity decreases

Understanding Aerobic Respiration

Don't get confused between respiration and breathing - they're completely different! Breathing is just the mechanical process of moving air in and out of your lungs. Respiration is the clever chemical process happening inside your cells that actually releases energy from food.

Aerobic respiration takes the glucose from your digestive system and combines it with oxygen from your breathing system. The word "aerobic" literally means "with oxygen" - that's the key ingredient that makes this process work efficiently.

The basic equation is surprisingly simple glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy. Your body takes in the useful stuff (glucose and oxygen) and produces waste products (carbon dioxide and water) plus the energy you need to function.

Quick Fact This process happens in the mitochondria - tiny powerhouses inside every cell that work like miniature energy factories!

This chemical reaction can also be written as C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP. The ATP is the actual energy currency your cells use to power everything from muscle contractions to brain activity.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

3

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Gas Exchange & Respiration

Explore the mechanisms of gas exchange in humans and plants, including the role of alveoli and spongy mesophyll. Understand aerobic and anaerobic respiration processes, their equations, and practical experiments. This summary is essential for CCEA GCSE Biology students focusing on cellular energetics and respiratory systems.

BiologyBiology
10

Cellular Respiration Overview

Explore the essential processes of Cellular Respiration, including Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, and the Electron Transport Chain. Understand how ATP is produced through aerobic and anaerobic pathways, and the role of oxygen in energy metabolism. This summary provides a clear insight into cellular bioenergetics and oxidative phosphorylation.

BiologyBiology
8

Mitochondrial Respiration Explained

Explore the process of aerobic respiration in mitochondria, including ATP production, energy transfer, and the role of glucose in cellular activities. This summary covers key concepts such as muscle cell energy requirements, glycolysis, and fermentation, making it essential for Nat 5 Biology students.

BiologyBiology
S3

Cellular Respiration Explained

Explore the processes of aerobic and anaerobic respiration, including energy production, the role of enzymes, and the impact of exercise on muscle function. This summary covers key concepts such as ATP production, glucose breakdown, and the physiological changes during physical activity. Ideal for students studying biology and cellular metabolism.

BiologyBiology
9

Exercise and Respiration

Explore the physiological effects of exercise on respiration, including aerobic and anaerobic processes, oxygen debt, and muscle fatigue. This summary covers key concepts such as energy demands during physical activity, the role of lactic acid, and the importance of respiration in cellular metabolism. Ideal for AQA GCSE Biology students.

BiologyBiology
10

Cellular Respiration Explained

Explore the essential processes of cellular respiration, including aerobic and anaerobic pathways, ATP production, and fermentation. This summary covers key concepts such as respiratory substrates, oxidation, and energy transfer, tailored for GCSE OCR Biology students.

BiologyBiology
9

Most popular content: Respiration

Most popular content in Biology

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

271

28 Nov 2025

1 page

GCSE Biology: Detailed Aerobic Respiration Study Notes

user profile picture

Erin

@erin_agwa

Your body needs energy for everything you do, from playing football to thinking through a maths problem. Aerobic respiration is the amazing process that releases energy from the food you eat by combining it with oxygen from your lungs.

26/1/21
aerobic
Taue SL
1) light intensity, concentration of carbon dioxide, water.
2) As the distance increases, light intensity decreases

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Understanding Aerobic Respiration

Don't get confused between respiration and breathing - they're completely different! Breathing is just the mechanical process of moving air in and out of your lungs. Respiration is the clever chemical process happening inside your cells that actually releases energy from food.

Aerobic respiration takes the glucose from your digestive system and combines it with oxygen from your breathing system. The word "aerobic" literally means "with oxygen" - that's the key ingredient that makes this process work efficiently.

The basic equation is surprisingly simple: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy. Your body takes in the useful stuff (glucose and oxygen) and produces waste products (carbon dioxide and water) plus the energy you need to function.

Quick Fact: This process happens in the mitochondria - tiny powerhouses inside every cell that work like miniature energy factories!

This chemical reaction can also be written as: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP. The ATP is the actual energy currency your cells use to power everything from muscle contractions to brain activity.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

3

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Gas Exchange & Respiration

Explore the mechanisms of gas exchange in humans and plants, including the role of alveoli and spongy mesophyll. Understand aerobic and anaerobic respiration processes, their equations, and practical experiments. This summary is essential for CCEA GCSE Biology students focusing on cellular energetics and respiratory systems.

BiologyBiology
10

Cellular Respiration Overview

Explore the essential processes of Cellular Respiration, including Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, and the Electron Transport Chain. Understand how ATP is produced through aerobic and anaerobic pathways, and the role of oxygen in energy metabolism. This summary provides a clear insight into cellular bioenergetics and oxidative phosphorylation.

BiologyBiology
8

Mitochondrial Respiration Explained

Explore the process of aerobic respiration in mitochondria, including ATP production, energy transfer, and the role of glucose in cellular activities. This summary covers key concepts such as muscle cell energy requirements, glycolysis, and fermentation, making it essential for Nat 5 Biology students.

BiologyBiology
S3

Cellular Respiration Explained

Explore the processes of aerobic and anaerobic respiration, including energy production, the role of enzymes, and the impact of exercise on muscle function. This summary covers key concepts such as ATP production, glucose breakdown, and the physiological changes during physical activity. Ideal for students studying biology and cellular metabolism.

BiologyBiology
9

Exercise and Respiration

Explore the physiological effects of exercise on respiration, including aerobic and anaerobic processes, oxygen debt, and muscle fatigue. This summary covers key concepts such as energy demands during physical activity, the role of lactic acid, and the importance of respiration in cellular metabolism. Ideal for AQA GCSE Biology students.

BiologyBiology
10

Cellular Respiration Explained

Explore the essential processes of cellular respiration, including aerobic and anaerobic pathways, ATP production, and fermentation. This summary covers key concepts such as respiratory substrates, oxidation, and energy transfer, tailored for GCSE OCR Biology students.

BiologyBiology
9

Most popular content: Respiration

Most popular content in Biology

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user