BIOLOGY – AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC
RESPIRATION
Respiration is a Chemical Reaction
Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and is defined as the chemical reactions in cells
that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules to release energy
It is the complete breakdown of glucose to release a relatively large amount of
energy for use in cell processes
It produces carbon dioxide and water as well as releasing useful cellular energy
Balanced Chemical Equation for Aerobic Respiration: Extended
Anaerobic Respiration - Respiration Without Oxygen
Anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and is defined as the chemical
reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules to release energy without
using oxygen
It is the incomplete breakdown of glucose and releases a relatively small
amount of energy (compared to aerobic respiration) for use in cell processes
It produces different breakdown products depending on the type of organism it is
taking place in
You need to know the equations for anaerobic respiration in humans (animals) and
the microorganism yeast
Anaerobic Respiration in Animals
Anaerobic respiration mainly takes place in muscle cells during vigorous exercise
When we exercise vigorously, our muscles have a higher demand for energy than
when we are resting or exercising normally. Our bodies can only deliver so much
oxygen to our muscle cells for aerobic respiration
In this instance, as much glucose as possible is broken down with oxygen, and some
glucose is broken down without it, producing lactic acid instead
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There is still energy stored within the bonds of lactic acid molecules that the cell
could use; for this reason, less energy is released when glucose is broken down
anaerobically
Word equation for anaerobic respiration in animals
Anaerobic Respiration in Yeast
We take advantage of the products of anaerobic respiration in yeast by using it
in bread making, where
o The carbon dioxide produced causes dough to rise
And in brewing, where
o The ethanol produced gives the beer its alcoholic nature
o The carbon dioxide produced gives beer its fizz.
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Balanced Chemical Equation for Anaerobic Respiration:
The balanced chemical equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast is:
Balanced equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast
Anaerobic Respiration & Oxygen Debt:
Lactic acid builds up in muscle cells and lowers the pH of the cells (making them more
acidic)
This could denature the enzymes in cells so it needs to be removed
Cells excrete lactic acid into the blood. When blood passes through the liver, lactic acid
is taken up into liver cells where it is oxidised, producing carbon dioxide and water
(Lactic acid reacts with oxygen - this is actually aerobic respiration with lactic acid as
the nutrient molecule instead of glucose)
So the waste products of lactic acid oxidation are carbon dioxide and water
This is the reason we continue to breath heavily and our heart rate remains
high even after finishing exercise - we need to transport the lactic acid from our
muscles to the liver, and continue getting larger amounts of oxygen into the blood to
oxidise the lactic acid
This is known as ‘repaying the oxygen debt’
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Comparing Aerobic & Anaerobic Respiration
Exam Tip
It's easy to get confused about the products of anaerobic respiration in animals: The
ONLY product made is lactic acid. Carbon dioxide is NOT one of the products made
in anaerobic respiration in animals: It is made in aerobic respiration!
