Final answer:
The energy from glucose during aerobic respiration is used to synthesize ATP, which is the main energy currency of the cell. Oxygen is needed in the process as it acts as the final electron acceptor, allowing full glucose breakdown into CO2 and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
During aerobic respiration, the energy within the bonds of a glucose molecule is released in a controlled sequence of enzyme-aided reactions. This energy is primarily used to synthesize ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides the energy necessary for various cellular activities. Oxygen plays a crucial role in this process, serving as the final electron acceptor to facilitate the complete breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water.
The process of aerobic respiration involves several stages, including Glycolysis, the Transformation of Pyruvate, the Krebs Cycle, and Oxidative Phosphorylation. Together, these stages convert the stored energy in glucose into ATP, which is the molecule used by cells to power a multitude of functions. In total, one molecule of glucose through aerobic respiration can lead to the production of up to 38 molecules of ATP.