BIOLOGY REVISION

RESPIRATION & THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

RESPIRATION
Every cell requires a constant supply of energy to carry cell processes that enable
organs and systems to function. This energy is usually gained by means of aerobic
respiration which is a series of chemical reactions within a cell that are controlled by
enzymes:
glucose + oxygen -----> carbon dioxide + water + energy
The glucose molecules are broken down from starch in food while the oxygen comes
from the air.

ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION
When there is a very low supply of oxygen for the needs of the organism, they can
instead respire anaerobically:
glucose -----> lactic acid + energy
This, however, releases less energy per molecule of gas than aerobic respiration
and, if done for too long, the lactic acid which it produces can change the pH of the
blood thus denaturing enzymes. After exercise an oxygen debt must be paid which is
the amount of oxygen needed to remove the lactic acid which has built up. Anaerobic
respiration is usually a result of strenuous exercise as we need oxygen to get to our
muscles faster. We also breathe more quickly, deeply and increase our heart rate in
order to make the oxygen in our blood reach the muscles quicker.
Anaerobic respiration in yeast, however, is different and is called fermentation (used
by humans in the production of alcohol):
glucose -----> ethanol + carbon dioxide + energy
The energy released during respiration can be measured as heat, particularly in
plants and microbes.

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (see sheet for diagrams)

A respiratory system is needed by humans to perform aerobic respiration 24/7 and
therefore survive. It enables us to extract the oxygen from the air, get it into the blood
and travel to all the body cells. It also removes the waste product of respiration:
carbon dioxide. Unlike some smaller animals, we need a large respiratory system as
we have millions of cells to supply with oxygen.

INSPIRATION AND EXPIRATION

When you inspire, the intercostals muscles contract which raises the ribs. This
allows the diaphragm to move down and out, thus increasing the thoracic volume
and decreasing the pressure. This makes air rush into the lungs. When you expire,
the intercostals muscles relax which lowers the ribs. This allows the diaphragm to
move up and in, thus decreasing the thoracic volume and increasing the pressure.
This makes air rush out of the lungs. This process can be demonstrated using a bell
jar model. A bell jar model can be used to show this, however, it does not show the
whole respiratory system and the materials do not reflect the living tissues.

ALVEOLI (see sheet for diagrams)

Gasses exchange between alveoli and capillaries for respiration. When you breathe
in, oxygen diffuses through the walls of the alveoli into the capillaries and when you
breathe out, carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli. The alveoli
are adapted for gas exchange in four ways:
1 Give the lungs a huge surface area as there are millions of them
2 Thin walls that are one cell thick so the distance for diffusion is shorter
3 Layer of moisture on the outside of the walls so the gases can dissolve into
solution
4 Capillaries give them a good blood supply so a high concentration gradient

SMOKING
Smoking has many harmful effects on the body:
Paralyses cilia so they stop moving the mucus containing trapped bacteria
and debris to the back of the throat to be swallowed, instead building up
and blocking the alveoli
Contains cancer-causing chemicals called carcinogens in the tar
Tar clogs up the small air passages and alveoli in the lungs
Nicotine is highly addictive
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that makes it harder for the red
blood cells to carry oxygen
Lung cancer: 90% caused by smoking, 1 in 10 moderate, 1 in 5 heavy die
Emphysema: chemicals damage and break down the walls of the alveoli
meaning their surface area is decreased and so cant be used for efficient
gas exchange, causing shortness of breath

ATTITUDES TO SMOKING
Although the harm smoking caused was first suggested over fifty years ago, it has
only recently been taken into account with it being banned in enclosed public spaces
and work places in 2007. The harm was disputed for a long time, particularly by the
powerful and rich tobacco companies which stood to lose a lot of money. However,
as more evidence came to light attitudes changed.
Many studies which found links between smoking and lung cancer were published in
scientific journals and peer reviewed. In these studies the sample of people and time
over which they were done was increased. The links became clear when lung cancer
in smokers and non-smokers was compared. Eventually the mechanism that caused
lung cancer by smoking was discovered: carcinogens. It was also found out that the
people around you could be affected by breathing in the smoke. This is passive or
second-hand smoking.