Respiration is a series of reactions in which energy is released from glucose glucose: A simple sugar made by the body from food, which is used by cells to make energy in respiration. Aerobic respiration is the form of respiration which uses oxygen.It can be summarised by this equation:glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy). Energy is shown in brackets because it is not a substance. Notice that: 1  Glucose and oxygen are used up. 2  Carbon dioxide and water are produced as waste products.erobic respiration is the form of respiration which uses oxygen. It can be summarised by this equation: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy). Energy is shown in brackets because it is not a substance. Notice that: 1  Glucose and oxygen are used up. 2  Carbon dioxide and water are produced as waste products.