Glucose plus oxygen yields carbon dioxide, water and energy released as ATP and heat.
The respiratory quotient (CO2/O2) is 1.0 for carbohydrate, about 0.7 for fat and 0.8 for protein. It shows which substrate is used. Glucose oxidation gives about 17 kJ per gram.
The equation shows conservation of matter: each glucose carbon becomes CO2. Oxygen atoms end in water. Heat is released as the energy is not all captured.
Remember: the equation summarises many steps.
Glucose plus oxygen yields carbon dioxide, water and energy released as ATP and heat.
Respiratory Equation is one of the 53 topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Cellular Respiration, Respiratory Quotient, Photosynthesis vs Respiration.
RQ above 1 may indicate anaerobic respiration or fat synthesis.
Respiratory Equation is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics that pair well with it include Metabolism, Anabolism and Catabolism, ATP.
The closest topics to Respiratory Equation are Cellular Respiration, Respiratory Quotient, Photosynthesis vs Respiration, Beta-Oxidation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Respiratory Equation. To practise the whole of Metabolism & Bioenergetics, use the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz.
Respiratory Equation: Glucose plus oxygen yields carbon dioxide, water and energy released as ATP and heat. Cellular Respiration: The process of releasing energy from glucose to make ATP, using oxygen in the aerobic form. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Cellular Respiration and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
The process of releasing energy from glucose to make ATP, using oxygen in the aerobic form.
⚡ Metabolism & BioenergeticsThe ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed, indicating which fuel is being used.
⚡ Metabolism & BioenergeticsPhotosynthesis stores energy in glucose and releases oxygen; respiration releases that energy and consumes oxygen.
⚡ Metabolism & BioenergeticsFatty acids are broken into acetyl-CoA two carbons at a time for use in the Krebs cycle.
⚡ Metabolism & Bioenergetics