What is the end product of cellular respiration that is expelled by heterotrophs?

The end product of cellular respiration that is expelled by heterotrophs is carbon dioxide. During the process of cellular respiration, heterotrophs, which include animals and humans, break down glucose and other organic molecules to produce energy in the form of ATP. This metabolic process involves multiple stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

As a result of these reactions, glucose is oxidized, and several byproducts are formed. One significant byproduct is carbon dioxide, which is produced when carbon atoms from glucose are released during the Krebs cycle. Since heterotrophs do not produce their own food (unlike autotrophs), they rely on breathing to expel carbon dioxide from their bodies as a waste product. This is then released into the atmosphere when they exhale.

While water is also produced during cellular respiration, it is retained in the body and used for various physiological functions rather than expelled in large quantities like carbon dioxide. Oxygen is consumed in this process rather than produced, and glucose is the initial fuel, not a waste product, making carbon dioxide the clear end product that is expelled.