IB ESS HL 2.2.6 Cellular Respiration Question Bank
Explain how cellular respiration releases usable energy from organic compounds.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Explain how cellular respiration releases usable energy from organic compounds.

Figure:Coastal seawater temperature near a nuclear power station
the temperature profile shown above below shows a range of coastal seawater temperatures at different distances from a nuclear power station. Nuclear power stations may be responsible for localized thermal pollution of coastal waters. Thermal pollution is caused by warmer water being released into a colder body of water.
Thermal pollution lowers the dissolved oxygen content of water. Suggest the effect of this on a named transformation process.
1 mark for named transformation process e.g. decomposition / (aerobic) respiration / anaerobic respiration;
1 mark for effect:
Less (aerobic) respiration increased anaerobic respiration;
increased decomposition;
Marking guidance:
Do not accept "more growth of heat tolerant species" or statements referring to effect of increased HEAT to a transformation process.