Bitesize GCSE Biology - Series 1: The Cell - 9. Respiration

Overview

• Topic: Respiration in living organisms
• Series: Bitesize GCSE Biology - Series 1: The Cell
• Episode: 9
• Released on: 23 March 2023
• Duration: 10 mins
• Platform: BBC Sounds

Key Points

Respiration Process

• Purpose of Respiration:

  • To break down glucose (C6H12O6) to release energy
  • Produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as by-products

• Types of Respiration:

  • Aerobic Respiration:
    • Requires oxygen (O2)
    • Produces a lot of energy
    • General Equation: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy
  • Anaerobic Respiration:
    • Occurs in the absence of oxygen
    • Produces less energy compared to aerobic respiration
    • By-products differ depending on the organism (e.g., lactic acid in animals, ethanol and CO2 in yeast)

Importance of Respiration

• Provides energy necessary for various cellular processes and activities in living organisms

Application

• Understanding cellular respiration is crucial for comprehending how organisms obtain and use energy

Additional Information

• This episode is part of a larger series exploring cellular biology
• Available for over a year on the BBC Sounds platform

Related Episodes

• Organisation of Plants and Animals: Examines systems such as the human digestive system and enzymes
• Infection and Response: Discusses topics like communicable diseases and the human defense system
• Homeostasis and Response: Covers the maintenance of internal conditions, nervous and endocrine systems
• Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution: Explores reproduction, genetic variation, and evolution
• Ecology: Examines ecosystems, biotic and abiotic factors, and the carbon cycle

Resources

• More Episodes: BBC Sounds Bitesize Series
• Programme Website: BBC Programme Page