HANDOUT #1
BIOLOGY O’ LEVELS 1
NAME: DATE:
RESPIRATION
Respiration is the breakdown (oxidation) of food substances (molecules) in
living cells, with the release of energy stored within the bonds of these
molecules.
Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a molecule gains oxygen or
losses hydrogen.
Uses of Energy in Human Body:
Humans need this energy to do the following things:
• muscular contractions such as heartbeats and respiratory movements;
• to synthesise proteins from amino acids;
• cell division (to make new cells);
• for the synthesis of new protoplasm for growth and repair;
• for the active transport in the absorption of food substances by the
small intestine;
• transmission of nerve impulses;
• maintain a constant internal body temperature.
Types of Respiration:
i) aerobic respiration
ii) anaerobic respiration
i) Aerobic Respiration:
Aerobic respiration is the breakdown of food substances (molecules) in
the presence of oxygen with the release of a large amount of energy.
Carbon dioxide and water are released as waste products.
It is the complete breakdown of glucose to release a relatively large
amount of energy for use in cell processes.
Word Equation:
glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + large amount of
energy is released
Chemical Equation:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy
ii) Anaerobic Respiration:
It is the breakdown of food substances(molecules) in the absence of
oxygen. Anaerobic respiration releases less energy than aerobic
respiration.
It is the incomplete breakdown of glucose and releases a relatively
small amount of energy for use in cell processes.
Anaerobic Respiration in Human Muscles:
Human muscle can respire anaerobically for short periods of time - even
though the process is relatively inefficient, it's better to continue respiring
and be able to run away from danger or run a race.
Word Equation:
The glucose in muscle is converted to lactic acid:
glucose lactic acid + energy released
Chemical Equation:
C6H12O6 2 C3H6O3 + Energy
Anaerobic Respiration in Yeast:
Yeast respire aerobically in the presence of oxygen but respire
anaerobically in the absence of oxygen.
The little amount of energy released is enough for the yeast to survive,
but they cannot be very active under such conditions.
Yeast releases ethanol (a type of alcohol) and carbon dioxide as a waste
product during anaerobic respiration.
Anaerobic respiration in yeast is also called alcoholic fermentation.
Word Equation:
glucose ethanol + carbon dioxide + energy released
Chemical Equation:
C6H12O6 2 C2H5OH+ 2 CO2 +Energy
Uses of Anaerobic respiration in Yeast:
We take advantage of the products of anaerobic respiration in yeast;
➢ by using it in bread making. The carbon dioxide produced helps
dough to rise and,
➢ in brewing, the ethanol produced makes beer.
Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
Aerobic respiration Anaerobic respiration
Presence of Present Absent
oxygen
Breakdown Complete Incomplete. The products of
of glucose respiration still contain energy.
Products of Carbon dioxide and Human muscle: lactic acid.
respiration water. The products do Yeast: ethanol and carbon
not contain stored dioxide.
chemical energy. The products still contain stored
chemical energy which can be
used in respiration.
Amount of Relatively large Small amount, but quick
energy amount
released
