Cellular Respiration Study Notes

Study Notes

Respiration Study Notes

Cellular Respiration

Process by which cells convert glucose into energy (ATP).
Occurs in three main stages:
1. Glycolysis: Breakdown of glucose into pyruvate; occurs in cytoplasm.
2. Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Pyruvate processed in mitochondria, producing electron carriers (NADH, FADH2).
3. Electron Transport Chain: ATP generated through oxidative phosphorylation in inner mitochondrial membrane.
Overall equation: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.

Photosynthesis Relation

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes.
In photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight, water, and CO2 into glucose and O2:
- 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
The oxygen produced in photosynthesis is used in cellular respiration, and CO2 from respiration is used in photosynthesis.
Both processes play crucial roles in energy transfer within ecosystems.

Respiratory System Anatomy

Main components include:
- Nasal Cavity: Filters, warms, and humidifies air.
- Pharynx: Passageway for air and food.
- Larynx: Voice box; contains vocal cords.
- Trachea: Windpipe; conducts air to bronchi.
- Bronchi: Two main branches leading to each lung.
- Lungs: Main organs of respiration; contain alveoli for gas exchange.
- Diaphragm: Muscle that aids in breathing by contracting and relaxing.

Anaerobic Respiration

Occurs when oxygen is not available.
Less efficient than aerobic respiration; produces only 2 ATP per glucose molecule.
Common types:
- Lactic Acid Fermentation: Occurs in muscles during intense exercise; produces lactic acid.
- Alcoholic Fermentation: Occurs in yeast; produces ethanol and CO2.
Important for organisms in low-oxygen environments.

Breathing Mechanisms

Involves two main processes:
1. Inhalation: Diaphragm contracts, increasing thoracic cavity volume; air is drawn into lungs.
2. Exhalation: Diaphragm relaxes, decreasing thoracic cavity volume; air is expelled from lungs.
Controlled by respiratory centers in the brain (medulla oblongata and pons).
Influenced by factors such as carbon dioxide levels, oxygen levels, and pH of blood.

Cellular Respiration

Converts glucose into energy (ATP) through three main stages.
Glycolysis:
- Occurs in the cytoplasm.
- Breaks down glucose into pyruvate.
Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle):
- Takes place in mitochondria.
- Processes pyruvate and produces electron carriers (NADH, FADH2).
Electron Transport Chain:
- Generates ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
- Located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Overall reaction is represented as:
- C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.

Photosynthesis Relation

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interdependent processes.
Photosynthesis:
- Converts sunlight, water, and CO2 into glucose and O2.
- Reaction: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
Oxygen produced in photosynthesis is essential for cellular respiration.
CO2 generated during respiration is utilized in photosynthesis.
Both processes are vital for energy flow in ecosystems.

Respiratory System Anatomy

Key components of the respiratory system include:
- Nasal Cavity: Functions to filter, warm, and humidify incoming air.
- Pharynx: Serves as a passageway for air and food.
- Larynx: Known as the voice box; houses vocal cords.
- Trachea: The windpipe that directs air to the bronchi.
- Bronchi: Two main branches leading to the lungs.
- Lungs: Primary organs for respiration; contain alveoli facilitating gas exchange.
- Diaphragm: A muscle that aids breathing through contraction and relaxation.

Anaerobic Respiration

Occurs in the absence of oxygen.
Less efficient than aerobic respiration; yields only 2 ATP per glucose molecule.
Common types include:
- Lactic Acid Fermentation:
  - Occurs in muscles during strenuous exercise; produces lactic acid.
- Alcoholic Fermentation:
  - Conducted by yeast; generates ethanol and CO2.
Crucial for organisms thriving in low-oxygen environments.

Breathing Mechanisms

Breathing comprises two main actions:
- Inhalation:
  - Diaphragm contracts, expanding thoracic cavity and drawing air into lungs.
- Exhalation:
  - Diaphragm relaxes, reducing thoracic cavity volume and expelling air from lungs.
Controlled by respiratory centers in the brain, specifically the medulla oblongata and pons.
Breathing is influenced by blood levels of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and pH balance.

Description

Explore the essential processes of cellular respiration, where cells convert glucose into energy. This quiz covers the three main stages: Glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle, and the Electron Transport Chain. Test your understanding of how ATP is generated and the overall equation involved.