Basics of BiologyMolecules and Energy |
Why do we release carbon dioxide when we exhale? |
The carbon dioxide we exhale is a result of the breakdown of glucose. This occurs during the energy-obtaining phase of our aerobic cells’ respiration. During this process, all of the carbon atoms (from the C6H12O6) are released as carbon dioxide molecules. Of the six carbon dioxide molecules generated, four are released via the Krebs cycle (see above for more about the Krebs cycle).