What is aerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration is a crucial biological process that occurs in the presence of oxygen. It involves the complete breakdown of glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which cells use for various functions. During this process, glucose reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water as by-products, releasing stored chemical energy.

This distinction is important because aerobic respiration is characterized by its efficiency in energy production compared to anaerobic respiration, which occurs in the absence of oxygen and does not break down glucose as completely. Therefore, the option highlighting the complete breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen accurately reflects the fundamental nature of aerobic respiration and its role in generating energy for cells.