12.3

Anaerobic respiration

10 flashcards to master Anaerobic respiration

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Definition Flip

What is anaerobic respiration?

Answer Flip

Anaerobic respiration is the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules (like glucose) to release energy *without* using oxygen. This process occurs in the cytoplasm. An example is fermentation in yeast cells.

Key Concept Flip

Does anaerobic respiration release more or less energy per glucose molecule compared to aerobic respiration?

Answer Flip

Anaerobic respiration releases *much less* energy per glucose molecule compared to aerobic respiration. This is because glucose is not fully broken down in the absence of oxygen. Think of a quick burst of energy versus sustained activity.

Definition Flip

What is the word equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast?

Answer Flip

The word equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast is: glucose → alcohol + carbon dioxide. This process is used in brewing (alcohol production) and baking (carbon dioxide for rising dough).

Definition Flip

What is the word equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles during vigorous exercise?

Answer Flip

The word equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles during vigorous exercise is: glucose → lactic acid. This build-up of lactic acid causes muscle fatigue and soreness after intense activity, like sprinting.

Definition Flip

What is the balanced chemical equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast?

Answer Flip

The balanced chemical equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast is: C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2. This shows how one molecule of glucose yields two molecules of ethanol (alcohol) and two molecules of carbon dioxide.

Definition Flip

What is meant by the term 'oxygen debt' in the context of anaerobic respiration?

Answer Flip

Oxygen debt refers to the extra oxygen required after vigorous exercise to remove the lactic acid that built up during anaerobic respiration in muscles and blood. It represents the 'cost' of anaerobic respiration.

Key Concept Flip

What are two ways the body removes the oxygen debt *after* exercise?

Answer Flip

Two ways include: (a) continued fast heart rate to transport lactic acid in the blood from muscles to the liver and (b) continued deeper and faster breathing to supply oxygen for aerobic respiration of lactic acid. This allows the body to recover.

Key Concept Flip

Where does aerobic respiration of lactic acid occur in the body after exercise?

Answer Flip

Aerobic respiration of lactic acid primarily occurs in the liver. The liver converts lactic acid back into glucose or other usable substances, requiring oxygen to complete the process.

Key Concept Flip

Why does lactic acid build up in muscles during vigorous exercise?

Answer Flip

Lactic acid builds up because the oxygen supply cannot keep up with the energy demands of the muscle cells. The cells switch to anaerobic respiration to produce energy, leading to lactic acid as a byproduct.

Key Concept Flip

Describe one industrial application of anaerobic respiration.

Answer Flip

Anaerobic respiration in yeast is crucial for the production of alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. Yeast ferments sugars, producing ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide as byproducts in the absence of oxygen.

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12.2 Aerobic respiration 13.1 Excretion in humans

Key Questions: Anaerobic respiration

What is anaerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration is the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules (like glucose) to release energy *without* using oxygen. This process occurs in the cytoplasm. An example is fermentation in yeast cells.

What is the word equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast?

The word equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast is: glucose → alcohol + carbon dioxide. This process is used in brewing (alcohol production) and baking (carbon dioxide for rising dough).

What is the word equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles during vigorous exercise?

The word equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles during vigorous exercise is: glucose → lactic acid. This build-up of lactic acid causes muscle fatigue and soreness after intense activity, like sprinting.

What is the balanced chemical equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast?

The balanced chemical equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast is: C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2. This shows how one molecule of glucose yields two molecules of ethanol (alcohol) and two molecules of carbon dioxide.

What is meant by the term 'oxygen debt' in the context of anaerobic respiration?

Oxygen debt refers to the extra oxygen required after vigorous exercise to remove the lactic acid that built up during anaerobic respiration in muscles and blood. It represents the 'cost' of anaerobic respiration.

About Anaerobic respiration (12.3)

These 10 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Anaerobic respiration for your Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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