Biology Chapter: Respiration Processes

Regulating Body Temperature

• Low temperatures decrease cellular respiration in living tissues
• All four components are part of metabolism, a chemical process

Aerobic & Anaerobic Respiration

• Both types require energy (glucose)
• Anaerobic respiration does not need oxygen to break down glucose
• Anaerobic releases less energy than aerobic
• Anaerobic respiration occurs in muscle cells during vigorous exercise and produces lactic acid
• A different form of anaerobic respiration in yeast cells produces alcohol and carbon dioxide

Aerobic Respiration

• Occurs with oxygen and releases more energy but more slowly
• Occurs in the mitochondria
• Requires oxygen
• Produces carbon dioxide and water
• Releases up to 38 ATP molecules per molecule of glucose

Anaerobic Respiration

• Occurs without oxygen and releases less energy but more quickly
• Occurs in the cytoplasm
• Does not require oxygen
• Produces lactic acid
• Releases only 2 ATP molecules per molecule of glucose
• When oxygen is low, anaerobic respiration takes place, resulting in an incomplete oxidation of glucose, causing lactic acid build-up in tissues and muscles, causing burning/cramping sensations.

Glucose Formula

• C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Gas Exchange

• Goblet Cells: Secrete mucus that traps dust, debris, and bacteria.
• Mucus: Traps microorganisms and other particles. Protects the bronchus lining.
• Ciliated Cells: Hair-like projections, cilia, that move mucus out of the airways.
• Alveoli: Adaptations include large surface area for gas diffusion, thin walls for shorter diffusion distance. Also good ventilation and blood supply to maintain a concentration gradient.

Blood & Blood Cells

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs/Erythrocytes):
  • Contain hemoglobin, a protein with iron, that transports oxygen in blood.
  • Combine with oxygen to form oxyhemoglobin.
  • Adaptations: No nucleus, biconcave disc shape, large surface area.
• White Blood Cells (WBCs/Leukocytes):
  • <1% of blood. Essential part of the immune system, defending against infections.
  • Contain a nucleus
  • Defenses: Phagocytosis (engulf pathogens), antibodies (bind to pathogens), antitoxins (neutralize toxins)
  • Adaptations: Irregular shape.
• Platelets:
  • Involved in blood clotting.
  • Can change shape to squeeze out blood vessels.
• Plasma:
  • Makes blood watery for flow.
  • Carries glucose, amino acids, hormones, proteins, wastes (CO₂, urea).

Blood Vessels

• Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except pulmonary arteries). Thick, muscular walls, narrow lumen.
• Capillaries: Smallest blood vessels. Form networks. Exchange gases. Both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood flows through.
• Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood to the heart (except pulmonary veins). Thin walls, large lumen, valves prevent backflow

Double Circulatory System

• Blood travels through the heart twice in one loop
• Pulmonary circulation: Carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood to the heart.
• Systemic circulation: Carries oxygenated blood to the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Heart Valves

• Semilunar Valves: Aortic and pulmonary (prevent backflow).
• Atrioventricular Valves: Tricuspid and bicuspid (prevent backflow).

Homeostasis

• Steady physical and chemical internal conditions in living systems
• Variables like body temperature and fluid balance maintained within set limits

Pulse/Heartbeat

• Procedure for measuring pulse:
  • Sit, relax. Place fingers on wrist. Count beats for 30 seconds, and multiply by two for beats per minute (BPM). If pulse is irregular measure for 60 seconds.

Cardiovascular Disease

• Plaque Formation: Cholesterol, fat, and other substances accumulate in artery walls.
• Plaque Rupture: Unstable plaques rupture, exposing inner contents to blood stream.
• Platelet Activation: Platelets gather at the site to attempt to seal the damage and release clotting chemicals.
• Fibrin Production: Fibrin forms a stable clot , slowing blood flow
• Clot Growth: If large, blood flow can be blocked to tissue, leading to conditions like heart attack or stroke.
• Lifestyle Risk Factors: High cholesterol, high saturated fat diets, sugar intake. Smoking, lack of exercise, high blood pressure all contribute to the formation of clots.

Immune System

• Physical Barriers: Skin (oils/antimicrobial substances), nose (hairs/mucus), nose/mouth/esophagus (mucus, cilia, HCl).
• Immune System: White blood cells (phagocytosis, engulf pathogens).
• Pathogens: Foreign objects like bacteria, viruses
• Vaccines: Contains weakened pathogens; the body recognizes, creates antibodies, and memory cells.