Types of Respiration

Importance of Respiration

• Energy for life functions primarily comes from glucose.
• Glucose is produced by plants during photosynthesis.
• Cellular respiration is an exothermic reaction that transfers energy from glucose, occurring continuously in living cells.
• Energy is released from glucose molecules; it is not created.

Uses of Energy in Organisms

1. Building larger molecules - E.g., combining amino acids to form proteins.
2. Muscular contraction - Enables movement.
3. Maintaining body temperature - Essential for survival in colder environments.

• Metabolism: Combination of all reactions in organisms to maintain life, including reactions that do not require energy.

Types of Respiration

1. Aerobic Respiration

• Description: Occurs with sufficient oxygen; most efficient way to transfer energy from glucose.
• Location: Takes place in mitochondria of both plants and animals.
• Word Equation: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water
• Chemical Equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O
• This equation is the reverse of photosynthesis.

2. Anaerobic Respiration

• Description: Occurs without oxygen; happens in emergencies (e.g., sprinting).
• Word Equation: Glucose → Lactic Acid
• Inefficiencies:
  • Incomplete breakdown of glucose leads to less energy being released.
  • Build-up of lactic acid, which must be removed later.

Anaerobic Respiration in Plants and Yeast

• Products: Glucose is converted to Ethanol and Carbon Dioxide instead of lactic acid.
• Process: Known as fermentation.
  • Used in industry:
    • Bread: Yeast produces carbon dioxide, creating air pockets for a light texture.
    • Alcoholic Beverages: Yeast fermentation produces ethanol for beer and wine.

Conclusion

• Recap of respiration types and their importance in energy transfer and metabolism.
• Importance of understanding both aerobic and anaerobic processes.