Respiration Flashcards
What is Cellular Respiration?
Cellular respiration is an exothermic reaction that transfers energy from glucose in living cells.
Where does energy come from?
Most energy we use comes from glucose, made by plants during photosynthesis.
What happens to glucose in respiration?
Glucose molecules are broken down to release energy trapped inside.
How is energy used in organisms?
1 Build larger molecules (e.g., amino acids → proteins)
2 Muscle contraction (for movement)
3 Maintain body temperature
What is metabolism?
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in a living organism to maintain life.
What are the two types of respiration?
Aerobic respiration (with oxygen)
Anaerobic respiration (without oxygen)
What is aerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration occurs when oxygen is present and is the most efficient way to release energy from glucose.
Where does aerobic respiration occur?
It happens in the mitochondria of cells.
Aerobic respiration equation (word):
Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water
Aerobic respiration equation (chemical):
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O
What is anaerobic respiration?
Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and is less efficient.
Why is anaerobic respiration less efficient?
Glucose is only partially broken down.
It produces lactic acid, which must be removed later.
Anaerobic respiration equation (in humans):
Glucose → lactic acid
Anaerobic respiration in plants and yeast:
Glucose is converted to ethanol and carbon dioxide.
What is fermentation?
In yeast, anaerobic respiration is called fermentation, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
