After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

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).

Aerobic respiration (with oxygen)

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 + 6H20 (+ energy)
Anaerobic respiration in animals

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.
Anaerobic respiration in plants

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
1

The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2

Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3

Organism Functions

3.1

Respiration

3.2

Gas Exchange

3.3

Transport

3.4

Excretion

3.5

Coordination & Response

4

Reproduction & Inheritance

5

Ecology

6

Biological Resources

Practice questions on Respiration

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Types of respiration:Fill in the list
  3. 3
  4. 4
Answer all questions on Respiration

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium