Anaerobic Respiration - Plants and Fungi (GCSE Biology)

Anaerobic Respiration: Plants and Fungi

Anaerobic Respiration in Plants and Yeast

  • Anaerobic respiration in plants and yeast is different. Anaerobic respiration in plants and yeast is different from the same process in muscle cells.
  • Ethanol and carbon dioxide are produced. Anaerobic converts glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide in yeast cells due to different circumstances within the different types of cells, instead of lactic acid as in muscle cells.

The chemical reaction occurring in anaerobic respiration can also be represented in chemical symbols:

GCSE Biology Online Course
Covering every topic in the GCSE syllabus
Buy Now£29

Fermentation

  • In yeast cells, anaerobic respiration is called fermentation. Because different products are formed in anaerobic respiration in yeast cells (compared to muscle cells), another name is given. This is fermentation.
  • Fermentation is used to make bread. The carbon dioxide released in anaerobic respiration of yeast is used by bakers to make bread rise.
  • Fermentation is used to make alcoholic drinks. The ethanol released in anaerobic respiration in yeast is used to provide the ethanol in low alcohol content drinks such as beer and wine.

Get Access to 20 Free GCSE Tutorials

    FAQs

    →What is anaerobic respiration?

    Anaerobic respiration is a type of cellular respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen. It produces energy through the breakdown of glucose in cells.

    →Do plants and fungi undergo anaerobic respiration?

    Yes, both plants and fungi can undergo anaerobic respiration when oxygen is not available.

    →What is the difference between anaerobic respiration in plants and fungi?

    The difference between anaerobic respiration in plants and fungi lies in the final product of the process. In plants, the final product of anaerobic respiration is ethanol and carbon dioxide, while in fungi it is lactic acid.

    →What is the importance of anaerobic respiration in plants?

    Anaerobic respiration in plants is important because it allows the plant to continue producing energy even when there is a lack of oxygen. This helps the plant to survive in conditions where there is limited oxygen, such as waterlogged soil.

    →What is the importance of anaerobic respiration in fungi?

    Anaerobic respiration in fungi is important because it allows the fungus to continue producing energy even when there is a lack of oxygen. This helps the fungus to survive in conditions where there is limited oxygen, such as in soil or other environments with low oxygen levels.

    →How does anaerobic respiration in plants and fungi compare to aerobic respiration?

    Anaerobic respiration in plants and fungi produces less energy than aerobic respiration, which occurs in the presence of oxygen. Aerobic respiration is more efficient in producing energy, but anaerobic respiration is still important as a backup energy source in the absence of oxygen.

    →What are the products of anaerobic respiration in plants and fungi?

    The products of anaerobic respiration in plants are ethanol and carbon dioxide, while in fungi the products are lactic acid.

    →What are the implications of anaerobic respiration in plants and fungi for their survival and growth?

    Anaerobic respiration allows plants and fungi to produce energy even when there is a lack of oxygen, allowing them to survive and grow in conditions where oxygen is limited. This is important for the survival of both plants and fungi in environments with low oxygen levels.

    →How is fermentation related to anaerobic respiration in plants and fungi?

    Fermentation is a metabolic process that allows cells to generate energy in the absence of oxygen. It is an example of anaerobic respiration, which is a type of cellular respiration that does not require oxygen.

    In plants and fungi, fermentation is used to produce energy when oxygen is not available. During fermentation, sugar molecules are broken down into smaller compounds, such as lactic acid or ethanol, which release energy that can be used by the cell. This process also regenerates the molecules needed to continue glycolysis, which is the first step in cellular respiration.

    In some plant tissues, such as root cells, fermentation can occur even when oxygen is available. This is known as facultative anaerobiosis, which means that the cells can switch between aerobic and anaerobic respiration depending on the availability of oxygen.

    In summary, fermentation is a type of anaerobic respiration that is used by plants and fungi to generate energy when oxygen is not available. It allows cells to continue producing energy and regenerating the molecules needed for cellular respiration.

    →How is anaerobic respiration different in plants and yeast?

    Anaerobic respiration in yeast and plants is similar in that both processes involve the breakdown of sugar molecules to release energy in the absence of oxygen. However, there are some differences in the specific metabolic pathways used by plants and yeast.

    In plants, anaerobic respiration typically involves fermentation of glucose to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process is also known as alcoholic fermentation. The glucose is first converted into pyruvate through glycolysis, and then pyruvate is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide. This type of fermentation is commonly observed in plant tissues such as roots, where oxygen may not be available.

    On the other hand, anaerobic respiration in yeast goes through alcoholic fermentation, but the process is slightly different than that of plants. Yeast first breaks down glucose through glycolysis to produce pyruvate, which is then converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide. However, yeast can continue the process by converting the ethanol produced back into acetaldehyde, and then converting acetaldehyde back into ethanol in a process known as the ethanol–acetaldehyde cycle. This allows yeast to generate more ATP and continue the production of ethanol even in the absence of oxygen.

    In summary, anaerobic respiration in yeast and plants undergo through fermentation to produce energy in the absence of oxygen. However, the specific metabolic pathways used by these organisms differ slightly, with yeast able to continue the process through the ethanol–acetaldehyde cycle, while plants do not have this capability.

    Still got a question? Leave a comment

    Leave a comment

    Post as “Anonymous”