Respiration
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| respiration | 呼吸作用 | hū xī zuò yòng |
| mitochondria | 线粒体 | xiàn lì tǐ |
| aerobic respiration | 有氧呼吸 | yǒu yǎng hū xī |
The energy of life
- Every living cell needs energy — to move, grow, build molecules and stay warm.
- That energy is released from food by respiration 呼吸作用, in every cell, all the time.
Respiration is the process of:
Respiration releases energy from glucose in cells.
The main fuel for respiration is:
Glucose is the main respiratory substrate.
Aerobic respiration takes place mainly in the ______ of the cell.
Mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration.
What respiration is
- Respiration is the release of energy from glucose (and other food) in living cells.
- It happens in the mitochondria 线粒体 (for aerobic respiration 有氧呼吸).

Cells use the energy from respiration for many different jobs
Respiration releases energy
Every living cell respires to release energy from glucose for its life processes.
What does a cell use the energy from respiration for? (Select all that apply.)
Energy powers movement, growth and active transport; cells cannot make sunlight.
Why cells need energy
- For movement (muscles), growth (building molecules), active transport, and keeping warm.
- Without respiration, a cell — and the organism — would die.
Respiration and breathing are the same process.
Respiration is a chemical reaction in cells; breathing moves air.
Respiration vs breathing
- Respiration is a chemical reaction inside cells that releases energy.
- Breathing just moves air in and out. They are not the same thing.
Respiration is not breathing. Respiration is a chemical process in cells that releases energy. Breathing (ventilation) supplies the oxygen for it. Don't mix the two up.
You've got it
- respiration releases energy from glucose in every living cell
- the energy powers movement, growth, active transport and warmth
- respiration (a chemical reaction) ≠ breathing (moving air)