Anaerobic Respiration Flashcards
What is the only process that occurs?
glycolysis
For glycolysis to continue, what must happen?
products of pyruvate and hydrogen must be removed
hydrogen must be released from NADH in order to regenerate NAD
Why does NAD have to be regenerated?
the tiny supply of NAD would all be converted to NADH leaving no NAD to take up the hydrogen newly produced from glycolysis
What are the two types of anaerobic respiration that occur in eukaryotic cells?
plants and microorganisms - pyruvate is converted into ethanol and CO2
animals - pyruvate is converted into lactate
What is the overall equation for the production of ethanol in plants and some microorganisms?
pyruvate + NADH –> ethanol + CO2 + NAD
Why is anaerobic respiration important for animals?
it is a means of overcoming a temporary shortage of oxygen
Where does lactate production usually happen?
in the muscles as a result of strenuous exercise
Why would muscles continue to work despite the lack of oxygen?
organism could be fleeing from a predator
What happens to oxygen supplies during strenuous exercise?
the supplies are used up more rapidly than it can be supplied - oxygen debt
Why does glycolysis change during strenuous exercise?
for glycolysis to continue and release some energy - NADH must be removed
each pyruvate molecule takes up two H atoms from NADH to form lactate
What is the overall equation for the production of lactate in animals?
pyruvate + NAD –> lactate + NADH
What does lactate do to the muscles?
causes cramp and muscle fatigue is it allowed to accumulate in the muscles
What happens to the lactate when oxygen next becomes available?
it is removed by the blood and taken to the liver to be converted into glycogen
What is the energy yield of anaerobic respiration?
2 ATP molecules from glycolysis
