S4 Core Biology IGCSE Topic 12: Respiration Term 3 - 2022
All living organisms need energy for different bodily functions/processes.
Respiration provides the necessary energy.
Respiration takes place in all living cells.
Respiration involves enzymes.
Respiration is NOT breathing.
Define respiration
Respiration is chemical reaction that breaks down nutrient molecules (E.g. glucose) in living cells to
release energy.
The energy formed during respiration is in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
ATP is the energy storage molecule.
Some of the uses of energy in the body
Muscle contraction
Protein synthesis (making of protein)
Cell division – mitosis and meiosis
Active transport in organisms (Eg: absorption of mineral ions in plant roots)
Growth
Conduction (passage) of nerve impulses
Maintenance of constant body temperature
Respiration can be:
Aerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration
Aerobic respiration
Glucose is completely oxidised (broken down)
Uses oxygen
Large amount of energy released
Very common form of respiration
Define aerobic respiration
Aerobic respiration is the chemical reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules to
release energy
Write the word equation for aerobic respiration.
glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water
38 molecules of ATP are produced for each molecule of glucose that is broken down.
Anaerobic respiration
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Glucose is partly oxidised (broken down)
Do not use oxygen
Small amount of energy is released
Only takes place in animals (certain mammals such as whales and seals – diving in the ocean for
long period of time)
Common in yeast and certain bacteria when oxygen is lacking.
Define anaerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration is the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules to release
energy without using oxygen.
Only 2 molecules of ATP are produced for each molecule of glucose that is broken down.
Anaerobic respiration in humans
This takes place in the muscles during strenuous/vigorous exercise over a period of time.
E.g. running a race
Despite the increased heart and breathing rate, the oxygen supply cannot reach the muscle tissue
fast enough for aerobic respiration in muscles.
The insufficient oxygen causes the muscle tissue to resume to anaerobic respiration to obtain the
necessary energy for muscles contraction – thus allowing the runner to continue the race.
As a result, glucose is broken down partly to lactic acid.
Lactic acid builds up in the muscles – it is later broken down to a harmless substance.
Write the word equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles.
glucose → lactic acid
Anaerobic respiration in yeast (a microorganism) – Alcoholic fermentation
Yeast undergoes anaerobic respiration.
In the process, 2 products are formed. The products are alcohol and carbon dioxide.
This is also known as alcoholic fermentation.
Write the word equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast.
glucose → alcohol + carbon dioxide
The role of anaerobic respiration in yeast during brewing and bread-making
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Brewing – making of alcoholic drinks
Yeast is added to a source of sugar (fruit juice, barley grains).
This is kept warm – this provides the optimum temperature for enzyme activity.
As the yeast respires (breaks down) the sugar, the alcohol (ethanol) is formed. This is fermentation.
The carbon dioxide that is also produce during the process makes the drink fizzy, as well as gives it a
slightly sharp flavour due to its acidity when dissolved in water.
Bread-making
Yeast is mixed with water and sugar. This activates the yeast.
The mixture is added to flour to make dough.
The dough is left in a warm place to rise – this provides the optimum temperature for enzyme
activity.
The dough rises as the yeast releases bubbles of carbon dioxide gas – which gets trapped in the
dough.
When the dough is cooked, the high temperature kills the yeast and any ethanol formed
evaporates.
Air spaces are left where the carbon dioxide was trapped – this gives the bread the light texture.
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