aerobic

In biology, describing those organisms that require oxygen in order to survive. Aerobic organisms include all plants and animals and many micro-organisms. They use oxygen (usually dissolved in water) to release the energy contained in food molecules such as glucose in a process called aerobic respiration. Oxygen is used to break down carbohydrates into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy, which is used to drive many processes within the cells.

Aerobic reactions occur inside every cell and lead to the formation of energy-rich ATP, which is used by the cell for driving its metabolic processes.

Most aerobic organisms die in the absence of oxygen, but certain organisms and cells, such as those found in muscle tissue, can function for short periods anaerobically (without oxygen). Some micro-organisms – certain bacteria, yeasts, and internal parasites – can live without oxygen and these are said to be anaerobic. For anaerobes, even small amounts of oxygen can be toxic.