Respiration Flashcards
Define respiration
The chemical breakdown of food to release energy which is essential for all living things.
What is the chemical equation for respiration?
C6H12O6 + 6O2 - 6C02 + 6H2O + ATP
Name the 2 types of respiration
Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Define aerobic respiration
A process where food is broken down in the presence of oxygen.
What are the waste products of aerobic respiration?
CO2 and water
Where does aerobic respiration occur in the cell?
The mitochondria
Define anaerobic respiration
A process where food is broken down in the absence of (or very little) oxygen.
Name 1 type of organism that can respire anaerobically.
Yeast / bacteria
Which tissue in the human body can go through anaerobic respiration?
Muscles
Aerobic respiration happens in the mitochondria of the cell. Where does anaerobic respiration occur in the cell?
The cytoplasm
What happens when muscle cells use up all the available oxygen to release oxygen from glucose but still need more oxygen?
Glucose in the muscle cells is broken down through anaerobic respiration, to form lactic acid.
Is anaerobic respiration an efficient way of obtaining energy in muscle cells? Why?
No.
- The breakdown of glucose is incomplete as CO2 and H2O are not produced.
- Lactic acid still contains large amounts of chemical energy.
- Buildup of lactic acid causes muscle cramps and muscle pain.
Describe how the body gets get of lactic acid in the muscle cells.
- The lactic acid is carried away from the muscle cells to the liver through the blood.
- In the liver, lactic acid is oxidized (broken down) into CO2 and H20. At this stage, aerobic respiration takes place. (because oxygen is used)
Name the products released when yeasts undergo anaerobic respiration.
Ethanol and carbon dioxide and energy
What is another term to describe the process where yeasts undergo anaerobic respiration?
Fermentation
Name the catalyst required for respiration to take place.
Enzymes
How are alveoli adapted to carry out efficient gas exchange?
- A large surface area
- Thin walls (1 cell thick)
- Moist surface area
- A dense supply of blood capillaries
- Permeable
How does a thin alveolus wall enable efficient gaseous exchange?
It enables rapid diffusion.
Why is a moist surface necessary on respiratory surfaces?
Gases diffuse in fluids before diffusing across the alveolar wall.
How does a rich supply of blood capillaries enable efficient gas exchange in the alveoli?
It helps to TRANSPORT gases to and from the alveoli quickly.
During inspiration, what happens to the intercostal muscles, diaphragm , rib cage, volume in the thorax and pressure?
- The external intercostal muscles contract.
- The internal intercostal muscles relax.
- The diaphragm contracts and flattens.
- The rib cage moves outward and upwards.
- The volume of air increases.
- The pressure decreases
During expiration, what happens to the intercostal muscles, diaphragm , rib cage, volume in the thorax and pressure?
- The external intercostal muscles relax.
- The internal intercostal muscles contract.
- The diaphragm relaxes and domes upwards.
- The rib cage moves inwards and downwards.
- The volume of air decreases.
- The pressure increases.
