Cell Respiration

• What is the primary function of cell respiration in living organisms?

  To extract energy from organic compounds to produce ATP
• Why is ATP considered the universal energy currency in cells?

  Because it powers various cellular activities
• What are the two main types of cell respiration?

  • Aerobic respiration
  • Anaerobic respiration
• What is the general equation for aerobic respiration?

  \(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{ATP}\)
• How many ATP molecules are typically produced from one glucose molecule during aerobic respiration?

  Approximately 38 ATP molecules
• Where does aerobic respiration occur in eukaryotic cells?

  In the mitochondria
• What are the two main types of anaerobic respiration?

  Alcoholic fermentation and lactic acid fermentation
• What is produced during alcoholic fermentation?

  Ethanol and carbon dioxide
• What happens to muscle cells during intense exercise when oxygen supply is limited?

  They switch to anaerobic respiration, specifically lactic acid fermentation
• What is the role of ATP in cellular processes?

  It provides energy for various cellular activities
• What are the components of ATP?

  • An adenine base
  • A ribose sugar
  • Three phosphate groups
• What occurs when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP?

  Energy is released for cellular processes
• What is the equation for ATP hydrolysis?

  \(\text{ATP} \rightarrow \text{ADP} + \text{P}_i + \text{Energy}\)
• What are the applications of anaerobic respiration?

  • Baking with yeast (alcoholic fermentation)
  • Lactate production in human muscles during intense exercise
• What is the purpose of a respirometer?

  To measure the rate of respiration in small organisms or tissues
• What are the key components of a respirometer?

  • A sealed chamber containing the organism or tissue
  • A manometer or device to measure volume changes
  • A CO₂ absorber (e.g., potassium hydroxide)
• What is the procedure for measuring respiration rates using a respirometer?

  1. Place the organism in the chamber.
  2. Add CO₂ absorber.
  3. Seal the chamber and equilibrate.
  4. Record initial volume.
  5. Take readings at intervals.
  6. Calculate oxygen consumption rate.
• Why is it important to maintain a constant temperature during respirometer experiments?

  To ensure accurate measurements of gas volumes and respiration rates
• How can you calculate the respiration rate from a respirometer experiment?

  By measuring the change in fluid level in the manometer
• What is the typical decrease in manometer fluid level observed in a germinating peas experiment?

  0.5 cm over 10 minutes
• What is the significance of measuring oxygen consumption in respirometer experiments?

  It indicates the rate of aerobic respiration
• What are the limitations of sensors used to measure ATP production?

  • Sensitivity to environmental conditions (temperature, pH)
  • Potential interference from other cellular components
• What is the ATP-ADP cycle?

  A process responsible for the production and utilization of ATP
• What is involved in ATP synthesis?

  • Conversion of ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) into ATP
  • Energy derived from oxidation of organic molecules
  • Catalyzed by ATP synthase
• What processes require ATP in cells?

  • Muscle contraction
  • Active transport
  • Protein synthesis
  • Cell division
• How do cell respiration, gas exchange, and ventilation differ?

  • Cell Respiration: Breakdown of glucose to produce ATP
  • Ventilation: Movement of air in and out of lungs
  • Gas Exchange: Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream
• What are the properties of ATP?

  • High-energy bonds store significant energy
  • Small and soluble for easy transport
  • Rapid regeneration from ADP and Pi
• Why must experiments involving plants be conducted in darkness?

  To prevent photosynthesis from interfering with results
• What is the role of coenzymes in enzyme reactions?

  They facilitate enzyme reactions
• How does temperature affect the rate of cell respiration?

  It influences the functionality of respiratory enzymes
• What effect does pH have on enzyme activity in cell respiration?

  It alters the charge and solubility of the enzymes
• How do glucose levels influence the rate of cell respiration?

  Higher glucose levels increase respiration rates until enzyme saturation
• What is the relationship between oxygen levels and aerobic respiration?

  Oxygen is required for aerobic respiration
• What is the difference between competitive inhibitors and non-competitive inhibitors?

  Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site, while non-competitive inhibitors bind elsewhere
• What are the factors affecting enzyme activity in cell respiration?

  • Temperature
  • pH
  • Glucose levels
  • Oxygen levels
  • Inhibitors
• What are the organic compounds used in cell respiration?

  • Carbohydrates (e.g., glucose)
  • Lipids (e.g., fatty acids)
  • Proteins (e.g., amino acids)
• What are the differences between anaerobic and aerobic respiration?

  • Anaerobic: Occurs without oxygen, less efficient, produces lactic acid or ethanol
  • Aerobic: Requires oxygen, more efficient, produces CO₂ and H₂O
• What are the stages of aerobic respiration?

  1. Glycolysis
  2. Link reaction
  3. Krebs cycle
  4. Electron transport chain
• What is the significance of glycolysis in both anaerobic and aerobic respiration?

  • It is the initial step in both pathways
  • Converts glucose to pyruvate
  • Produces a small yield of ATP
• How does anaerobic respiration begin and what are its products?

  • Begins with glycolysis
  • Produces lactic acid (in animals) or ethanol and CO₂ (in plants and yeasts)