Respiration (metabolism) of Fungi

Respiration is the chemical breakdown of food molecules (e.g. glucose) to release energy for life processes.

Most fungi relies on aerobic respiration, while some prefer aerobic respiration but can perform alcoholic anaerobic if without oxygen (e.g. baker yeast).

Aerobic respiration: \(C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2\rightarrow6CO_2+6H_2O+ATP\)

Alcoholic anaerobic respiration:

\[C_6H_{12}O_6 → 2(C_2H_5OH) + 2CO_2 + ATP\]