12.2.1

Respiration Reactions

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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).

Illustrative background for Aerobic respiration (with oxygen)Illustrative background for Aerobic respiration (with oxygen) ?? "content

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
    • C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H20
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Anaerobic respiration in animals

  • In animals, glucose is converted to lactic acid:
    • Glucose → lactic acid
  • Anaerobic respiration happens when not enough oxygen reaches the muscles during periods of intense activity.
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Anaerobic respiration in yeast

  • In yeast cells, glucose is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
    • Glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide
    • C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2
  • This process is called fermentation and is used to make bread and alcohol.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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