What type of respiration requires oxygen?

The type of respiration that requires oxygen is aerobic respiration. This process occurs in the presence of oxygen and is the most efficient way for cells to produce energy. During aerobic respiration, glucose is broken down in a series of chemical reactions to produce carbon dioxide, water, and a substantial amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the cell.

In contrast, anaerobic respiration does not utilize oxygen and typically results in less energy production compared to aerobic processes. Fermentation, while also occurring without oxygen, leads to products like alcohol or lactic acid rather than efficiently generating ATP. Cellular respiration is a broader term that encompasses both aerobic and anaerobic processes; however, it is specifically the aerobic component that directly requires oxygen.