CHM093 · Biochemistry · Classes 8–12
Cellular Respiration Concept
Objective: To see how cellular respiration releases energy from glucose.
🧰 Virtual materials and apparatus
- Virtual mitochondrion
- Glucose, O₂, CO₂ and H₂O models
📐 Formulas and SI units
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O, ΔH ≈ −2803 kJ/mol
💡 Theory
Cells release energy from food by aerobic respiration, mainly in mitochondria: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O, releasing about 2803 kJ per mole of glucose. Much of the energy is stored in ATP (about 30–32 ATP per glucose) and the rest is lost as heat.
🪜 Guided virtual procedure
- Set 180 g (1 mol) of glucose.
- Read the CO₂ produced and oxygen used.
- Read the energy released.
- Halve the glucose.
- Compare with photosynthesis.
📋 Observations Simulated values
✅ Result and conclusion
Respiring 180 g of glucose uses 6 mol of O₂, makes 6 mol of CO₂ and releases about 2803 kJ.
🔬 Real lab vs simulation
This is a simplified pathway, not a detailed metabolic simulation; real cells capture only part of the energy as ATP.
⚠️ Safety
Simplified model only. Real laboratory chemicals are handled only by teachers.
❓ Quick check
1. Respiration mainly happens in…
2. Products of aerobic respiration?
3. Respiration is…
🏋️ Practice
EasyCO₂ from 90 g glucose?
Answer: 3 mol
MediumEnergy from 360 g glucose?
Answer: ≈ 5606 kJ
ChallengeWhat is anaerobic respiration?
Answer: Respiration without oxygen (e.g. making lactic acid)