Tweet #1- What is Respiration?

Respiration is a series of chemical reactions that occur within all living cells that release energy through the breakdown of energy molecules such as glucose. Respiration occurs in the mitochondria of all cells, and the energy that is released is used for nearly all of our bodily functions, including the processes of life. Stored in all our cells is a simple sugar known as glucose, and when we breathe in oxygen, the oxygen travels into our cells and reacts with the glucose. They produce carbon dioxide (which is taken out of the body), water, and energy, otherwise known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This also happens in plant cells, and ties in with photosynthesis. This is known as aerobic respiration. When our body doesn’t have enough oxygen, our cells respire anaerobically, by having the glucose turn into energy and lactic acid.