Respiration can be summarized with a simple word equation: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy). This captures the essence of aerobic respiration, where glucose is fully oxidized in the presence of oxygen to yield energy in the form of ATP, with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Core word equation

• Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy

Quick clarifications

• The term “energy” in the word equation refers to ATP produced during the process.
• Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen and is more energy-efficient than anaerobic respiration.
• In contrast, anaerobic respiration (without oxygen) yields much less ATP and produces lactic acid in animals or ethanol and carbon dioxide in yeast.

Why this matters

• This equation underpins how cells generate usable energy for activities ranging from muscle contraction to nerve signaling.
• It also explains why oxygen availability affects endurance and energy production during exercise.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific level (middle school, high school GCSE, or introductory college) or add a quick comparison table between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.