Biology IGCSE - Respiration

Functions and processes for energy

muscle contraction, protein synthesis, cell division, growth, maintenance of a constant body temperature and active transport

Aerobic respiration

chemical reaction in the cells that use oxygen to break down glucose to release energy

Word equation for aerobic respiration

Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

Balanced chemical equation for aerobic respiration

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Anaerobic respiration

chemical reaction in the cells that break down glucose to release energy without using oxygen

Differences between aerobic and anaerobic

1) Aerobic uses oxygen
2) Anaerobic releases less energy than aerobic

Word equation for anaerobic respiration (exercise)

glucose → lactic acid

Lactic acid

builds up in the muscles and blood during exercise → oxygen debt

Word equation for anaerobic respiration (microorganism yeast)

glucose → alcohol + carbon dioxide

How oxygen debt is removed:

1) fast heart rate to transport lactic acid in the blood from the muscles to the liver
(b) deeper and faster breathing to supply oxygen for aerobic respiration of lactic acid
(c) aerobic respiration of lactic acid in the liver