A form of cell respiration requiring oxygen (as opposed to anaerobic respiration, which does not need oxygen). Aerobic respiration is much more efficient than anaerobic respiration; it produces 36 ATP for every molecule of glucose. Aerobic respiration proceeds in three stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

The oxygen-consuming, energy-yielding process carried out by almost all eukaryotes and diverse prokaryotes; "breathing."

Organisms utilize oxygen to break down components, derive energy, and generate needed biomolecules. Carbohydrates are cycled into water and carbon dioxide. AIDS Severe immunological disorder caused by HIV, transmitted primarily through venereal routes or by exposure to contaminated blood products, resulting in a defect in cell-mediated immune response manifested by increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and to certain rare cancers. Air Embolism Air bubbles that enter the veins after trauma or surgical procedure.