Aerobic respiration releases energy that is used in many processes inside living organisms. State four different processes in a living organism that use energy released by aerobic respiration.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 12.2 Aerobic respiration · State · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

1. Muscle contraction
2. Active transport across cell membranes
3. Biosynthesis of macromolecules (e.g. protein synthesis)
4. Maintenance of ion gradients (e.g. Na⁺/K⁺‑ATPase activity)

Examiner tips

Use specific, exam‑approved terms like ‘muscle contraction’ or ‘active transport’
Ensure each process is distinct and directly linked to ATP use
Keep answers concise – one line per process
Avoid vague phrases such as ‘energy use’ without specifying the process

Common mistakes

Listing processes that do not directly use ATP (e.g. photosynthesis)
Repeating the same process twice
Using non‑exam terms like ‘moving’ instead of ‘muscle contraction’

Mark scheme (4 marks)

One valid use of energy from aerobic respiration
Second valid use of energy from aerobic respiration
Third valid use of energy from aerobic respiration
Fourth valid use of energy from aerobic respiration (different from previous answers)

Key terms in this question

aerobic respiration · energy