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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Aerobic Respiration Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of aerobic respiration: the process by which cells release energy from glucose using oxygen.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Write the word equation for aerobic respiration and state where it occurs in the cell.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy released).
    2. Occurs in the mitochondria (and cytoplasm).
    3. Energy is released for cell activities.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Write the balanced symbol equation for aerobic respiration.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O.
    2. Energy is released.
    3. This is an exothermic reaction.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    State four ways in which the energy released from respiration is used in living organisms.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Muscle contraction / movement.
    2. Active transport of substances across cell membranes.
    3. Synthesis of new molecules (e.g. Proteins from amino acids).
    4. Maintaining body temperature in mammals and birds.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Name the two raw materials needed for aerobic respiration.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Glucose.
    2. Oxygen.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain why aerobic respiration is described as an exothermic reaction and why it is not the same as burning (combustion).

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Exothermic because energy is released (as heat and chemical energy / ATP).
    2. Unlike combustion, respiration is controlled by enzymes: occurs at body temperature.
    3. Energy is released in small, manageable steps rather than all at once.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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