What is needed for respiration?
http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/systems/respiration.html
To understand what is needed for respiration, we need to delve into the concept of respiration itself. Respiration is a biological process that occurs in living organisms, including plants and animals, to produce energy. It involves the exchange of gases, specifically oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between an organism and its environment. There are two main types of respiration: aerobic respiration, which requires oxygen, and anaerobic respiration, which occurs in the absence of oxygen.
1. Aerobic Respiration:
Aerobic respiration is the most common form of respiration in living organisms. It takes place in the mitochondria of cells and involves a series of chemical reactions. Here's what is needed for aerobic respiration:
a. Oxygen (O2): Oxygen is the primary requirement for aerobic respiration. It is obtained from the environment through inhalation and transported to cells via the bloodstream.
b. Organic Molecules/Fuels: In order to generate energy, organic molecules such as glucose are needed. Glucose is broken down through a process called glycolysis, which occurs in the cytoplasm of cells, followed by the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain in the mitochondria.
c. Mitochondria: Aerobic respiration takes place within the mitochondria of cells. These organelles are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell because they produce most of the energy needed for cellular activities.
2. Anaerobic Respiration:
Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and is less efficient than aerobic respiration. It is used by some organisms or cells when oxygen is scarce. Here's what is needed for anaerobic respiration:
a. Organic Molecules/Fuels: Similar to aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration also requires organic molecules, such as glucose, as a source of energy. However, the breakdown of glucose occurs through a different pathway called fermentation.
b. Fermentation Pathways: There are different types of fermentation pathways, depending on the organism. For example, lactic acid fermentation occurs in muscle cells during intense exercise, while alcoholic fermentation takes place in some microorganisms, like yeast.
In summary, both aerobic and anaerobic respiration require a source of organic molecules for energy production. However, aerobic respiration requires oxygen and occurs in the mitochondria, while anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and follows different fermentation pathways.