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3.2 Cell Respiration

The document outlines the processes of cellular respiration, highlighting the role of ATP as the energy currency within cells and the distinction between anaerobic and aerobic respiration. It explains how energy is derived from organic compounds and the factors influencing respiration rates. Additionally, it describes the structure and function of mitochondria in aerobic respiration and the metabolic pathways involved.

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4 views2 pages

3.2 Cell Respiration

The document outlines the processes of cellular respiration, highlighting the role of ATP as the energy currency within cells and the distinction between anaerobic and aerobic respiration. It explains how energy is derived from organic compounds and the factors influencing respiration rates. Additionally, it describes the structure and function of mitochondria in aerobic respiration and the metabolic pathways involved.

Uploaded by

nataly.prisadashka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNIT: METABOLISM LEVEL: STANDARD

CELL RESPIRATION

Content Statements:
C1.2.1 ATP as the molecule that distributes energy within cells
C1.2.2 Life processes within cells that ATP supplies with energy
C1.2.3 Energy transfers during interconversions between ATP and ADP
C1.2.4 Cellular respiraCon as a system for producing ATP within the cell using energy released from
carbon compounds
C1.2.5 Differences between anaerobic and aerobic cell respiraCon in humans
C1.2.6 Variables affecCng the rate of cell respiraCon

ENERGY
Living organisms need chemical energy to power the metabolic reacCons that sustain life processes. These
processes include the biosynthesis of organic molecules (via anabolism), the ac>ve transport of materials
across a cell membrane and the overall movement of cells or cellular components (such as chromosomes).

ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE
A coenzyme is a complex organic molecule that is required for
COENZYMES
an enzyme’s metabolic acCvity. Coenzymes cycle between two
states: a loaded form capable of assisCng enzyme acCvity and
an unloaded form (similar to a charged and expended baPery).
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a coenzyme that is used to LOADED UNLOADED
transport chemical energy to metabolic reacCons. It funcCons
as an immediate energy source for a cell (i.e. energy currency). ATP
ATP possesses three negaCvely charged phosphates that need Adenine Energy
increasing amounts of energy to hold together. When the ATP
P P P
is hydrolysed to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and an inorganic Ribose

phosphate, the released energy can then be uClised by the cell.

CELL RESPIRATION
Cellular respiraCon is the controlled release of energy from the breakdown of organic compounds. These
compounds are produced by autotrophs (via photosynthesis) or can be synthesised from other pre-exisCng
molecules within the cell (e.g. excess glucose can be converted to fats). Usable carbon compounds include:
• Carbohydrates: The main organic molecule used in cell respiration is the monomer glucose (C6H12O6)
• Triglycerides: Fats produce more energy per gram than sugars, but are harder to transport and digest
• Proteins: Not a primary source as produces nitrogenous by-products (which are toxic if not excreted)

When the organic compounds are broken down in cell respiraCon, the chemical energy that is released is
used to generate ATP (from ADP + Pi). In this respect, the organic compounds funcCon like a bank (storing
high amounts of chemical energy within their covalent bonds), while the ATP is usable money. The funcCon
of cell respiraCon is to convert the inaccessible chemical energy into an available form that cells can use.
TYPES OF CELL RESPIRATION
Cellular respiraCon can involve one of two reacCon pathways: anaerobic respiraCon or aerobic respiraCon

ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION AEROBIC RESPIRATION

Par>al breakdown of glucose Complete breakdown of glucose


Oxygen is not required for a small ATP yield Oxygen is required for a large ATP yield
Occurs enCrely in the cytosol Occurs in the mitochondria
Involves glycolysis and fermentaCon Involves glycolysis, Krebs cycle and ETC
Products: LacCc acid / Ethanol + CO2 Products: Carbon dioxide and water

ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION
Anaerobic respiraCon involves the par.al breakdown of carbohydrates (glucose) in the absence of oxygen.
It occurs in the cytosol and results in a low yield of ATP (net producCon = 2 ATP). The glucose can either be
converted into lac>c acid (animals) or ethanol and carbon dioxide (plants and yeast). The producCon of
lacCc acid in humans is used to maximise the power of muscle contracCons when levels of oxygen are low.

Glucose LacCc Acid 2 ATP

AEROBIC RESPIRATION
Aerobic respiraCon involves the complete breakdown of carbohydrates (glucose) in the presence of oxygen.
It occurs in the mitochondria and results in a high yield of ATP (net producCon = 30 ATP). The oxygen is used
to complete the digesCon of glucose, resulCng in the formaCon of carbon dioxide and water. While sugars
like glucose can be digested via either respiratory pathway, triglycerides can only be digested aerobically.

Glucose Oxygen Carbon Dioxide Water 30 ATP

MITOCHONDRIA
The mitochondrion is an organelle in eukaryoCc cells that is responsible for
aerobic respiraCon. It is believed to have evolved via endosymbiosis, when
an aerobic bacterium was engulfed by another prokaryoCc cell. Evidence for
this endosymbioCc origin includes the fact that the mitochondrion possesses
circular DNA, 70S ribosomes has a double membrane. In terms of structure,
the central region is called the matrix, while the inner membrane is highly
folded into cristae. By folding this membrane, the SA:Vol raCo is increased.
This opCmises the structure of the mitochondria to allow aerobic respiraCon
to occur more rapidly and in greater amounts (maximising total ATP yield). Mitochondrion

FACTORS AFFECTING RESPIRATION RATE


The rate of respiraCon can be measured by either the consumpCon of inputs (glucose and oxygen) or the
formaCon of product (carbon dioxide). However, these condiCons may be affected by the pathway used.
Factors that affect aerobic respiraCon include temperature and pH (which will alter enzyme funcConality),
as well as glucose concentraCon and oxygen availability (both of which funcCon as respiratory substrates).

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