Respiration: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Processes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, mechanisms, and distinctions between aerobic and anaerobic respiration, as well as their relationship with photosynthesis.

Respiration

A chemical reaction occurring in all living cells that releases stored energy from glucose to power life functions.

Photosynthesis

A biological process that captures solar energy and stores it as chemical energy in glucose.

Aerobic respiration

A cellular process requiring oxygen that breaks down glucose to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water at a slower rate but in greater amounts than anaerobic respiration.

Anaerobic respiration

A form of respiration that takes place without oxygen, allowing organisms to survive in oxygen-free environments and enabling muscles to continue working.

Mitochondria

Structures located in the cytoplasm of cells where aerobic respiration mostly occurs.

Lactic acid

A substance produced during anaerobic respiration in human muscles that can build up during exercise, cause pain, and necessitate extra oxygen to break down.

Fermentation

Anaerobic respiration in microorganisms that results in the production of ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Oxygen debt

The deficit caused by the build-up of lactic acid in muscles during intense exercise, which requires continued heavy breathing after exercise to clear.

Gas exchange

The physiological process of taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide, which increases in rate and depth during physical exercise.