CSEC Biology – Respiration & Gaseous Exchange

30 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on respiration, gaseous exchange, and smoking effects.

Aerobic Respiration

Energy-yielding breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen, producing CO₂, H₂O and ~36-38 ATP in mitochondria.

Anaerobic Respiration

Energy production from glucose without oxygen, occurring in the cytoplasm and yielding 2 ATP plus lactic acid or ethanol + CO₂.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Cellular ‘energy currency’ that stores and supplies energy for biochemical reactions.

Mitochondria

Membrane-bound organelles where aerobic respiration and most ATP synthesis occur; known as the cell’s powerhouse.

Cytoplasm

Cellular fluid where anaerobic respiration (glycolysis) takes place.

Lactic Acid

Organic acid produced during anaerobic respiration in animal cells, contributing to muscle fatigue.

Alcoholic Fermentation

Anaerobic process in yeast/plants converting glucose to ethanol, CO₂ and ATP; used in baking and brewing.

Breathing (Ventilation)

Physical movement of air into (inhalation) and out of (exhalation) the lungs.

Respiration (Cellular)

Chemical process in cells that releases energy from food molecules such as glucose.

Inhalation

Phase of breathing where the diaphragm contracts, rib cage rises and air is drawn into the lungs.

Exhalation

Phase of breathing where the diaphragm relaxes, lungs compress and air rich in CO₂ leaves the body.

Diaphragm

Dome-shaped muscular sheet beneath the lungs that drives ventilation by contracting and relaxing.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles between ribs that aid breathing by lifting or lowering the rib cage.

Alveoli

Microscopic air sacs in lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse between air and blood.

Stomata

Tiny pores mainly on leaf surfaces that regulate gas exchange and water loss in plants.

Guard Cells

Paired cells flanking each stoma; control its opening and closing by changing turgor.

Counter-Current Flow

Arrangement in fish gills where water and blood move in opposite directions to maximize gas diffusion.

Gaseous Exchange Surface

Specialized biological interface (e.g., alveoli, gill lamellae) optimized for rapid diffusion of respiratory gases.

Large Surface Area (Exchange Surfaces)

Adaptation that increases area available for gas diffusion, enhancing exchange efficiency.

Thin Membrane (Exchange Surfaces)

One-cell-thick barrier reducing diffusion distance for gases.

Moist Surface

Feature of exchange membranes ensuring gases dissolve for efficient diffusion.

Rich Blood Supply

Dense capillary network that maintains concentration gradients by rapidly transporting gases.

Ventilation (Biology)

Movement of air or water over respiratory surfaces to maintain concentration gradients.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Group of smoking-related lung disorders (chronic bronchitis & emphysema) causing airflow limitation.

Emphysema

COPD condition where alveolar walls break down, reducing surface area for gas exchange.

Chronic Bronchitis

Long-term inflammation of bronchial tubes, producing persistent cough and mucus.

Lung Cancer

Uncontrolled growth of abnormal lung cells, primarily caused by smoking.

Coronary Heart Disease

Atherosclerotic narrowing of coronary arteries often linked to smoking; may lead to heart attack.

Stroke

Sudden brain damage from interrupted blood flow, risk increased by smoking-induced clot formation.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Smoking-related narrowing of limb arteries, causing pain and possible tissue damage.