4.2.2

Respiration

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Respiration

Respiration is an exothermic reaction (releases energy) that supplies all the energy needed by living organisms. This reaction happens continuously in all living cells. The reaction can be aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen).

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Aerobic respiration (with oxygen)

  • In aerobic respiration, glucose reacts with oxygen in the mitochondria of cells to give carbon dioxide, water and energy.
    • Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy)
    • C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O (+ energy)
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Anaerobic respiration in animals

  • Glucose is not broken down completely, making it a less efficient way of transferring energy than aerobic respiration.
  • In animals, glucose is converted to lactic acid:
    • Glucose → lactic acid
  • Anaerobic respiration happens when insufficient (not enough) oxygen reaches the muscles during periods of intense activity.
Illustrative background for Anaerobic respiration in plantsIllustrative background for Anaerobic respiration in plants ?? "content

Anaerobic respiration in plants

  • In plant and yeast cells, glucose is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
    • Glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide
  • In yeast cells, this is called fermentation. This is an important step in the manufacture (making) of both bread and alcohol.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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