Biochemistry P4 describe the process of anaerobic respiration and use it to describe the type of respiration that occurs during a short sprint and during a marathon

Hi everyone! Back again with a few more essays for you. This is just a short one that covers a pass! Respiration is a series of reactions where glucose releases energy. There are two types of respiration: -Aerobic respiration (needs oxygen) -Anaerobic respiration (doesn’t need oxygen) When we exercise, our body heats up we breathe faster and our heart rate increases. Therefore, during a marathon aerobic respiration would occur. The formula for aerobic respiration is: Glucose + Oxygen Carbon Dioxide + Water (+energy) During exercise, the muscles tend to respire more than what they would when they are resting. The result of this is having the need oxygen and glucose more quickly; therefore the removal of waste carbon dioxide must happen quickly. This action is done by the heart rate and breathing rate increasing. When the heart rate rises, the rate of blood flow likewise increases. This results in the rate of gaseous exchange to increase in the lungs. The muscles support to store the glucose in the form of glycogen to allow it to be used as glucose during the period of exercise. It’s essential within this process that respiration and breathing are not the same. Respiration releases the energy and breathing means to release air in and out of the lungs. During exercise, it is also possible not to obtain oxygen. Anaerobic respiration occurs in this case, such as during a short sprint. Anaerobic respiration is the incomplete breakdown of glucose as it releases about 5% of the energy which is released by aerobic respiration. The waste product in this form of respiration is lactic acid, not carbon dioxide and water. Anaerobic respiration uses this formula: Glucose Lactic Acid (+little energy) When the height of the intense exercising is taking place, the heart cannot provide enough oxygen to the muscles. As lactic acid builds up from the anaerobic respiration, this causes the muscles to tire out due to long periods of exercise which is known as muscle fatigue. This results in the muscles stopping to contract effectively in order to allow the other person to exercise. Due to the breakdown of glucose being incomplete, this means that little energy is released during this form of respiration compare to aerobic. Anaerobic respiration produces oxygen debt. This is the amount of oxygen required to oxidise lactic acid to carbon dioxide and water. Due to oxygen debt, this explains why we breathe heavily after a period of exercise. As we breathe/pant after exercise, this provides the oxygen needed in order to break down the lactic acid. Reference list BBC Bitesize - GCSE Biology - Aerobic and anaerobic respiration - Revision 1. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zm6rd2p/revision. Look out for more to come ! your study pal Xo