GCSE Biology 1.

2 Respiration and the respiratory system knowledge organiser

Aerobic respiration The respiratory system

A series of enzyme-controlled chemical reactions in the mitochondria of cells. Blood carries The function of the respiratory system is to obtain sufficient oxygen for respiration and to
glucose and oxygen to the cells, they diffuse in and react releasing the stored energy from remove the equivalent volume of waste gases carbon dioxide and water.
the glucose.

Inspiration
Released as ATP • Intercostal muscles contract lifting ribs up and out
GLUCOSE + OXYGEN Nasal Cavity
CARBON DIOXIDE + WATER + ENERGY • Diaphragm contracts and flattens

Released as Heat
• Chest cavity increases in volume and decreases in
pressure below the pressure outside the
Thermometer to record temperature changes Thermos Trachea body and so air is sucked in to equalize the
Rib
pressure.
flask to reduce heat lost through the sides Intercostal
muscles
Expiration
Bronchus
• Intercostal muscles relax and ribs
Bronchiole move down and in.
Lung
Alveolus
• Diaphragm relaxes and domes up.
Investigating respiration in germinating peas • Chest cavity decreases in
volume and increases in
1 Peas respire releasing heat and recorded temperature goes up. pressure, air is forced out.
Peas are boiled (respiratory enzymes are denatured) no respiration by peas but Diaphgram Heart
2 recorded temperature still increases slightly as peas are covered in respiring
microbes.
Gas exchange
3 Boiled and disinfected peas. Temperature does not increase as no respiration occurs.
The alveoli are adapted for gas Bronchiole
exchange by: Blood capillary
Anaerobic respiration • Good blood supply
A shorter series of enzyme-controlled reactions that partially breaks down glucose
• Large surface area
Wall of
releasing only some of the energy stored. This reaction can occur in the absence of alveolus
oxygen. • Thin walls
• Moist lining
Less ATP produced
GLUCOSE LACTIC ACID + ENERGY co2
As the red blood cells and plasma in o2
Partial breakdown of Toxic lactic acid produced the blood capillary flow around the
glucose as no oxygen which needs oxygen to be alveolus oxygen diffuses into the
available broken down. capillary and carbon dioxide diffuses
out.
The amount of oxygen needed to remove the toxic lactic acid is the oxygen debt and must
be paid back when oxygen is readily available.