Bioenergetics

• Photosynthesis

  1. Plants harness the Sun's energy

  2. Make food
• Photosynthesis liberates oxygen which has built up over millions of years in the Earth's atmosphere
• Processes that use oxygen

  • Aerobic respiration (animals and plants)
  • Anaerobic respiration
• Aerobic respiration


  Process that transfers the energy the organism needs to perform its functions by oxidising food
• Anaerobic respiration


  Process that transfers energy without requiring oxygen
• During vigorous exercise

  The human body switches to anaerobic respiration
• Anaerobic respiration supplies energy but also causes the build-up of lactic acid in muscles which causes fatigue