Bioenergetics- respiration

Respiration

• chemical process of releasing energy from glucose

• supplies all energy required for life

• exothermic

Uses of respiration

• chemical reactions to build larger muscles - proteins from amino acids

• movement - by muscle contraction

• keeping warm

What are the types of respiration?

• aerobic - with oxygen

• anaerobic - without oxygen

What is the chemical equation for respiration?


C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Anaerobic respiration

• Incomplete breakdown of glucose

• in animal cells - glucose → lactic acid

• in plant and yeast cell - glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide

What is the process of anaerobic respiration in plants and yeast called?

alcoholic fermentation

Anaerobic respiration response to exercise

• if insufficient oxygen is supplied anaerobic respiration takes place in the muscles

• the incomplete oxidation of glucose causes the buildup of lactic acid and creates oxygen debt

• during long periods of vigorous activity muscle becomes fatigued and stop contracting efficiently

Breakdown of lactic acid

• blood carries lactic acid from muscles into liver where lactic acid is converted into glucose

or

• oxygen debt is repaid as oxygen is used to completely remove lactic acid after exercise from cells which produces carbon dioxide and water as waste