Cellular Respiration: Measuring energy consumption during exercise
Cellular respiration is a multistep process by which the cells create energy in the form of ATP to drive its cellular activities. In this simulation, you will learn the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration by studying glucose metabolism. You will explore the three stages of cellular respiration: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
In this simulation, you will use a mouse model to understand the cellular respiration of basketball players. The experimental exercise data collected from the mouse model and respirometry will be compared to the blood glucose and lactic acid concentrations of the basketball players throughout the game. You will also, be able to explore the cellular processes that occur within the mitochondria and how it contributes to ATP generation. Are you ready to apply your knowledge on glycolysis, the Kreb’s cycle, and the electron transport chain to help basketball players perform their best during the game?
Part 1: Complete Labster- Cellular Respiration: Measuring energy consumption during exercise
Part 2: Report and Reflection
Purpose: Describe in your own words and in complete sentences, the purpose of this experiment.
Observations: List 2 observations you have made in this simulation.
Answer all the questions below:
1. Why does lactic acid build up in muscles during exercise? (2 points)
2. How is glucose stored in skeletal muscles? Why cannot glucose be released from skeletal muscles to maintain blood glues concentration? (2 points)
Sample Solution
The purpose of this experiment was to understand the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration by studying glucose metabolism. We also explored the three stages of cellular respiration: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Additionally, we used a mouse model to understand the cellular respiration of basketball players. The experimental exercise data collected from the mouse model and respirometry was compared to the blood glucose and lactic acid concentrations of the basketball players throughout the game. Finally, we explored the cellular processes that occur within the mitochondria and how it contributes to ATP generation.Full Answer Section
Observations- Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration, and it occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. In glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two pyruvate molecules, and a net of two ATP molecules are produced.
- The Krebs cycle is the second stage of cellular respiration, and it occurs in the mitochondria. In the Krebs cycle, pyruvate is broken down into carbon dioxide and water, and a net of three ATP molecules are produced.
- The electron transport chain is the third and final stage of cellular respiration, and it also occurs in the mitochondria. In the electron transport chain, electrons are passed through a series of proteins, and energy is released. This energy is used to pump protons across a membrane, and the resulting electrochemical gradient is used to generate ATP.
- Aerobic respiration is the process of breaking down glucose in the presence of oxygen. This is the most efficient way to produce ATP, and it is the main source of energy for most cells in the body.
- Anaerobic respiration is the process of breaking down glucose in the absence of oxygen. This is less efficient than aerobic respiration, and it produces fewer ATP molecules. However, it is the only way to produce ATP during short periods of intense exercise.
- Blood glucose concentrations increase during exercise, as the body breaks down glucose to produce ATP.
- Lactic acid concentrations also increase during exercise, as a byproduct of anaerobic respiration.
- Mitochondria are the organelles in cells that are responsible for cellular respiration. They contain the enzymes that are needed to break down glucose and produce ATP.