How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Define in one line. Aerobic respiration is the complete breakdown of glucose using oxygen to release energy: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy (ATP).
2 · Draw the flow chart. [Glucose → (glycolysis) → 2 pyruvic acid → acetyl CoA → Krebs cycle → electron transport chain → CO₂ + H₂O + ATP]
3 · Glycolysis. In the cytoplasm; glucose → 2 pyruvic acid; net 2 ATP and 2 NADH₂.
4 · Krebs cycle. In the mitochondrial matrix; pyruvic acid → acetyl CoA; acetyl CoA + oxaloacetic acid → citric acid; CO₂, NADH₂ and FADH₂ released.
5 · Electron transport chain. On the inner mitochondrial membrane; electrons from NADH₂ and FADH₂ release energy to make ATP (oxidative phosphorylation); oxygen accepts the electrons and forms water.
6 · Real life. Brisk walking and cycling run on aerobic respiration; sprinting adds anaerobic respiration and lactic acid.
7 · Close in one line. So aerobic respiration gets far more energy (ATP) from one glucose than anaerobic respiration does.
Scoring tip: Name the site of each stage. Many students lose marks by placing the Krebs cycle in the cytoplasm.
