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

Explain why having an increased number of red blood cells is an advantage to an athlete.

more haemoglobin so more oxygen

more aerobic respiration to release more energy

why is anaerobic respiration less efficient than aerobic

it doesn’t release as much energy due to lack if oxygen

incomplete breakdown/oxidation of glucose