Where do we get energy for our body? Respiration is a biochemical process in which energy is released from food in a biological system. During this process, glucose is oxidized in the body of living organisms and energy is released. Therefore, respiration is an exothermic reaction. There are two types of respiration processes.
Respiration that requires oxygen to break down glucose to release energy is called aerobic respiration.
Equation:
Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy
Respiration that does not require oxygen to break down glucose to release energy is called anaerobic respiration.
Equation:
Glucose → Lactic acid + Energy
Aerobic respiration releases more energy than anaerobic respiration. Lipids are important substances for building our body. They also act as reserve energy sources. Lipids can store very large amounts of energy in our body. When you exercise intensely, the oxidation of glucose is not enough for energy. At this stage, lipids are oxidized for energy.