Oxygen is also released in this reaction. This energy is then transferred to you as you eat your hamburger. Cows and other animals like us need energy which is obtained from sugars. We also need oxygen for life processes. This process of obtaining energy from sugar is known as respiration .
Respiration occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
Respiration is almost the exact opposite reaction to photosynthesis. These two reactions work together to maintain a biological balance on earth. Visit the Utah State 8th Grade Integrated Science Core Curriculum Page . USOE Home Page Copyright by the Utah State Office of Education.