Anaerobic Respiration (7.7)

Question 1

Describe the consequences of long periods of anaerobic respiration in animal cells

Answer 1

Lactate will continue to build up and enter the bloodstream as lactic acid. This causes the blood’s pH to decrease causing a slow rate of respiration as it is enzyme controlled. This causes little ATP production and can cause physical symptoms such as cramping

Question 2

Describe what happens to lactate after anaerobic respiration

Answer 2

Once oxygen becomes present again, lactate is carried in the bloodstream to the liver. Once in the liver lactate is converted back to pyruvate which can either be used in the Link reaction or converted back into glucose