2.8 Cell respiration Flashcards
Define cell respiration.
Cell respiration is the controlled release of energy from organic compounds to produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
What is ATP, and why is it important?
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is a molecule that carries energy within cells, crucial for various biological processes including muscle contraction, nerve impulse propagation, and chemical synthesis.
Compare anaerobic and aerobic respiration in terms of oxygen requirement and ATP yield.
Anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and produces a small yield of ATP. In contrast, aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces a large yield of ATP from glucose.
Describe the products of anaerobic respiration in yeast.
In yeast, anaerobic respiration (fermentation) produces ethanol and carbon dioxide, utilized in baking and brewing.
How does anaerobic respiration in muscles affect exercise performance?
Anaerobic respiration in muscles allows for high-power muscle contractions during strenuous exercise by producing ATP without oxygen, but it can lead to muscle soreness due to lactate production.
What is a respirometer and its purpose?
A respirometer measures the rate of respiration by detecting changes in oxygen consumption, useful for comparing respiration rates across different conditions or organisms.
How does a respirometer work to measure respiration rates?
It measures oxygen consumption by tracking movement of a liquid in a manometer tube as organisms respire, absorbing produced CO2 with an alkaline solution, indicating respiration rate.
Explain the ethical considerations in using a respirometer in experiments.
Experiments must ensure no harm to animals, minimize risks, use alternatives like seeds when possible, and comply with ethical guidelines for animal experimentation.
How is ATP from cell respiration immediately available for energy use in the cell?
ATP produced during cell respiration is readily available for energy consumption in the cell for processes such as muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission, and synthesis of molecules.
What is the significance of analyzing respiration rates using a respirometer in experiments with germinating seeds or invertebrates?
Analyzing respiration rates helps understand the metabolic activity under various conditions, such as temperature changes or during different stages of development, providing insights into the organism’s cellular respiration efficiency and energy needs.
Where does glycolysis occur in the cell, and what is its role in cell respiration?
Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and is the first step in cell respiration, breaking down glucose into pyruvate, yielding 2 ATP molecules and reducing NAD+ to NADH.
Describe the Krebs cycle and its location in the cell.
The Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. It processes pyruvate from glycolysis to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2, releasing carbon dioxide as a waste product.
Explain oxidative phosphorylation and its location within the cell.
Oxidative phosphorylation takes place on the inner membrane of the mitochondria. It uses electrons from NADH and FADH2 to drive the synthesis of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, producing water and utilizing oxygen as the final electron acceptor.
