Cellular Respiration and the Human Respiratory System

This flashcard set covers cellular respiration (aerobic and anaerobic), ATP formation, the anatomy and mechanism of the human respiratory system, health effects of smoking, and basic CPR procedures based on the lecture notes of Briannie Alcoser.

What is the general definition of respiration provided in the notes?

The process where by food is broken down into energy.

Where does cellular respiration occur within the cell?

In the mitochondria.

What is the chemical equation for aerobic respiration according to page 4?

$$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{Energy ATP (2,880 KJ)}$$

What chemical stores the energy released from glucose in the mitochondria?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

How much energy is released when ATP breaks down into ADP via a hydrolysis reaction?

$$30.6\,kJ$$

What is the difference between a hydrolysis reaction and a condensation reaction in the context of ATP?

A hydrolysis reaction uses water to break ATP into ADP and release energy, while a condensation reaction adds a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP and releases water.

What are the four primary uses of ATP energy mentioned in the notes?

1. Daily life activities, 2. muscle contraction, 3. active transport in cells, and 4. cell growth and repair of cells.

Where does anaerobic respiration occur in the cell?

In the cytoplasm.

What waste product is formed in muscles during strenuous exercise when oxygen supply is insufficient?

Lactic acid (lactate).

What is the energy yield for anaerobic respiration in animals and bacteria?

$$150\,kJ\,mol^{-1}$$

What is the energy yield for anaerobic respiration (fermentation) in yeast?

$$210\,kJ$$

Define the term 'Oxygen debt'.

The amount of $O_2$ needed to break down lactic acid.

Define the term 'Oxygen deficit'.

The amount of $O_2$ that was needed but not supplied from outside the body by breathing.

What are three physiological changes that occur after vigorous exercise to pay the oxygen debt?

1. Heart rate increases, 2. breathing rate increases, and 3. sweating increases.

Which specific types of cells contain many mitochondria because they use a lot of energy?

Muscle cells, liver cells, and the rods and cones of our eyes.

What is brewing?

The process of making beer by crushing barley to extract malt sugar (maltose) and fermenting it with yeast to form $CO_2$ and alcohol.

What concentration of alcohol will kill yeast and stop the fermentation process?

Greater than $14\%$.

What are the four main functions of the human respiratory system?

1. Supply blood with oxygen, 2. filter inspired air, 3. regulation of blood pH, and 4. warming and humidifying air.

What is the difference between breathing and gaseous exchange?

Breathing is a mechanical process involving the movement of air in and out of the lungs, whereas gaseous exchange is a diffusion process involving the simultaneous movement of $O_2$ and $CO_2$.

What is the function of the goblet cells in the nose and nasal cavity?

To secrete mucus which traps dust and bacteria and moistens the air.

What is the role of the epiglottis?

It is a small flap of cartilage that prevents food from entering the trachea.

What are the four adaptations of alveoli for efficient gaseous exchange?

1. Large surface area, 2. rich in blood supply, 3. moist lining, and 4. thin lining.

Describe the mechanical changes during inhalation/breathing in.

Diaphragm muscles contract and flatten, external intercostal muscles contract to move ribs up and out, increasing thorax volume and falling pressure inside the chest.

Define 'Vital capacity'.

The maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after breathing fully, measured using a spirometer.

How does nicotine affect the cardiovascular system?

It is a stimulant that narrows blood vessels (vasoconstriction), raises heart rate and blood pressure, and forces the heart to work harder.

How does carbon monoxide affect the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity?

Hemoglobin has a greater affinity for carbon monoxide than for $O_2$, meaning more carbon monoxide is picked up, reducing the amount of oxygen carried around the body.

What disease is caused by tar destroying the cilia and damaging the alveoli, resulting in reduced surface area?

Emphysema.

How does obesity affect breathing rate?

Excess weight and fat around abdominal organs make it difficult for the diaphragm to contract and lower, forcing muscles to work harder.

What are the basic steps of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)?

1. Check for danger, 2. check for responsiveness, 3. call for help, 4. open the airway, 5. check breathing, 6. rescue breaths, 7. chest compressions, 8. continue CPR, and 9. recovery position.

In CPR, what is the specific ratio of compressions to breaths?

30 compressions to 2 breaths.