What does cell respiration do?

CH2O + O2 -> CO2 + H2O + energy

sugar + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water + energy

ellison's experiment

Dr. Ellison's pitcher plant experiment

In cell respiration, sugar is broken down to form carbon dioxide, which is respired as a gas. In this reaction, the hydrogen in sugar combines with oxygen to form water. The energy that is released is stored temporarily in another molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which delivers and transfers the energy where it is needed. This reaction is similar to the burning of the marshmallow seen in the video in that heat is a by-product. The main difference is the nature of the reaction — cell respiration is much more controlled.