aerobic respiration A type of respiration in which foodstuffs (usually carbohydrates) are completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, with the release of chemical energy, in a process requiring atmospheric oxygen. The reaction can be summarized by the equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy

The chemical energy released is stored mainly in the form of ATP. The first stage of aerobic respiration is glycolysis, which takes place in the cytosol of cells and also occurs in fermentations and other forms of anaerobic respiration. Further oxidation in the presence of oxygen is via the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain, enzymes for which are located in the mitochondria of eukaryote cells. Most organisms have aerobic respiration (i.e. they are aerobes); exceptions include certain bacteria and yeasts.

aerobic respiration n. a type of cellular respiration in which foodstuffs (carbohydrates) are completely oxidized by atmospheric oxygen, with the production of maximum chemical energy from the foodstuffs.