Respiration

Cellular respiration

Process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules

Exothermic reaction

A reaction that releases energy to its surroundings, usually in the form of heat

Purpose of respiration

Releases energy in all cells that organisms can use for heat, movement, growth, reproduction and active uptake/transport

Aerobic respiration

Cell respiration which happens in the presence of oxygen in the mitochondria of the cell

Word equation for aerobic respiration

Glucose + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water (+energy)

Balanced chemical equation for aerobic respiration

C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O

Anaerobic respiration

Cell respiration which happens in the absence of oxygen

Word equation for anaerobic respiration

Glucose -> lactic acid (+energy)

Lactic acid

A toxic waste product that is produced during anaerobic respiration in humans and can cause muscle fatigue

Incomplete oxidation

Occurs during anaerobic respiration causing a build up of lactic acid in the muscles

Fermentation

Anaerobic respiration in plant and yeast cells which produces ethanol and carbon dioxide

Word equation for fermentation

Glucose -> carbon dioxide + ethanol (+energy)

Uses of fermentation

The manufacture of bread and alcoholic drinks

Liver

Receives blood from the muscles with lactic acid and converts the lactic acid back into glucose

Oxygen debt

The amount of extra oxygen the body needs after exercise to react with the accumulated lactic acid

Effect of exercise

Increased heart rate, breathing rate and breath volume to supply the muscles with more oxygen

Organisms need energy for

Movement, keeping warm and chemical reactions to make larger molecules

Glucose (C6H12O6)

The main reactant of respiration that is obtained from the digestion of carbohydrates

Oxygen (O2)

A molecule that is essential for the complete oxidation of glucose in aerobic respiration

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

A waste product of respiration that is removed from cells and the body via gas exchange

Water (H2O)

A byproduct of respiration that is either used or removed from the body typically during exhalation or urination