Respiration Lecture Notes

Overview of Respiration

• Definition: Respiration refers to the process by which organisms release energy from glucose.
• Key Process: Cellular respiration, an exothermic reaction.
  • Transfers energy from glucose.
  • Occurs continuously in living cells.

Energy Utilization in Organisms

• Organisms use energy from respiration for various functions:
  • Building Molecules: Combining amino acids to form proteins.
  • Muscular Contraction: Allows movement.
  • Maintaining Body Temperature: Keeps body warm in colder environments.

Types of Respiration

Aerobic Respiration

• Condition: Requires oxygen.
• Efficiency: Most efficient way to transfer energy from glucose.
• Location: Occurs in mitochondria of plants and animals.
• Equation:
  • Word Equation: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water.
  • Chemical Equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O.

Anaerobic Respiration

• Condition: Occurs without oxygen.
• Usage: Used when oxygen supply is insufficient (e.g., sprinting).
• In Humans:
  • Word Equation: Glucose → Lactic Acid.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Inefficient energy release (partial breakdown of glucose).
    • Produces lactic acid, which is toxic.
• In Plants and Yeast:
  • Word Equation: Glucose → Ethanol + Carbon dioxide.
  • Process is called Fermentation.
  • Industrial Applications:
    • Bread Making: Carbon dioxide creates air pockets for fluffiness.
    • Alcohol Production: Ethanol is used in beer and wine.

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