How does cellular respiration release energy from food?

1 Answer
May 7, 2016

glucose is used for respiration

Explanation:

First, the food has to be broken down into its simplest molecules (amino acids, glucose). These molecules are absorbed from the Small Intestines into the blood. The blood, carrying these molecules, travels through the arteries into capillaries from which glucose diffuses across the wall of the capillaries and into the cells.

When glucose enters the cells, it is used in aerobic respiration (cellular respiration) which happens in the mitochondria. One of the by-products of cellular respiration is energy. Therefore, energy is released during respiration