# Explain why aerobic respiration is described as an exothermic reaction and state one use of the energy released during cellular respiration in the human body.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.4.2 Respiration · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Aerobic respiration releases energy (to the surroundings / environment)
2. This makes it exothermic because exothermic reactions release energy
3. Glucose (and oxygen) are broken down / reactants are broken down to release energy
4. One valid use of energy from cellular respiration, e.g. muscle contraction / maintaining body temperature / active transport / building larger molecules

## Key terms

- [aerobic respiration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/aerobic-respiration)
- [exothermic reaction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/exothermic-reaction)
- [cellular respiration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cellular-respiration)
- [energy](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/energy)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-aerobic-respiration-is-described-0d867eae) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.