Based on cellular respiration, what happens when oxygen supply is cut off to an animal?
When the oxygen supply is cut off to an animal, a series of biochemical reactions occur in its cells as a result of a shift from aerobic respiration to anaerobic respiration. Here's how you can understand what happens when the oxygen supply is cut off to an animal:
1. Cellular Respiration Overview:
- Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
- Aerobic respiration is the most efficient form of cellular respiration, which requires oxygen.
- Anaerobic respiration is a less efficient form of cellular respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen.
2. Shift to Anaerobic Respiration:
- When oxygen supply is cut off, cells can no longer perform aerobic respiration.
- As a survival mechanism, cells switch to anaerobic respiration to continue producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell.
- Anaerobic respiration occurs in the cytoplasm.
3. Anaerobic Respiration:
- Anaerobic respiration involves two main processes: glycolysis and fermentation.
- Glycolysis: This is the first step of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration and occurs in the cytoplasm. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, generating a small amount of ATP.
- Fermentation: In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate undergoes fermentation to regenerate the molecules necessary for glycolysis to continue.
- Lactic Acid Fermentation: In animals, including humans, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid, which accumulates in the muscles and bloodstream.
- Alcoholic Fermentation: Some microorganisms, such as yeast, convert pyruvate into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
4. Energy Production and Effects:
- Anaerobic respiration produces a significantly smaller amount of ATP compared to aerobic respiration.
- As a result, the energy production during anaerobic respiration is not sufficient to sustain normal cellular activities, which can cause a decrease in performance and functioning of the animal.
- Accumulation of lactic acid in muscles can lead to muscle fatigue, cramps, and discomfort.
- Continued lack of oxygen can ultimately result in cell damage and even death.
In summary, when oxygen supply is cut off to an animal, it switches from aerobic respiration to anaerobic respiration. This transition leads to a less efficient energy production process and the buildup of lactic acid, causing a decrease in performance and potential harm to the animal if the oxygen deprivation persists.