Respiration produces ATP
Cells need energy to do work. Respiration is the process that releases energy from glucose and uses it to build ATP — the molecule that directly powers everything a cell does.
Formula
Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP
Real World
During Mo Farah's 5000m Olympic final, his muscle cells produced roughly 65 kg of ATP over the race — recycled constantly from glucose — powering every stride and kick to the finish line.
Exam Focus
State that ATP is the 'immediate energy source' — examiners reject 'respiration provides energy' without naming ATP.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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