2: Anaerobic Respiration

anaerobic respiration

Releasing energy from the breakdown of glucose without oxygen, producing lactic acid (in animals) and ethanol and carbon dioxide (in plants and microorganisms)

word equation for anaerobic respiration in animals/humans

glucose → lactic acid (+ energy)

Why do organisms normally respire aerobically?

* Aerobic respiration transfers more energy per glucose molecule than anaerobic respiration.
* Lactic acid produced from anaerobic respiration can cause painful cramps in the muscles.

oxygen debt

Extra oxygen required after anaerobic respiration to break down lactic acid

Why might plants respire anaerobically?

* Soil gets waterlogged → oxygen runs out
* Switch to anarobic respiration in roots to obtain energy

Why do microorganisms respire anaerobically sometimes?

* Allows them to survive in environments with little oxygen

fermentation

produces ethanol

glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide (+ energy)

Type of respiration in bacteria in a puncture wound

anaerobic because very little oxygen is present under the surface of the skin

Similarities and differences between anaerobic and aerobic respiration:

* Similarities: Both involve the breakdown of glucose to release energy.
* Differences: Anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and produces lactic acid, while aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water.

Why would sprinters use anaerobic respiration and marathon runners use aerobic respiration?

* Marathon runner - needs energy over a long time
* Sprinter - lots of energy for short time
* Person can only respire anaerobically for short period of time
* Can respire aerobically for long time
* Sprinter cannot take in enough oxygen to respire aerobically to produce the required amount of energy
* If a marathon runner respires anaerobically for a longer period of time, lactic acid would build up in their muscles →cramps

word equation for anaerobic respiration in plans/microorganisms

glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide (+ energy)