Guided notes covering material from Topic 2.8 of the updated IB Biology syllabus for 2016 exams. Notes sequence and prompts are based on the Oxford IB Biology textbook by Allott and Mindorff.

1. IB Biology Chapter 2 Notes: Cell Respiration (2.8) NAME:
Word Definition
Cell respiration The process of breaking down larger sources of energy to provide small amounts of
energy for cellular processes. “The controlled release of energy from organic
molecules to produce ATP in cells.”
Mitochondria The organelle in cells where most of the reactions in cellular respiration occur. This
organelle requires energy to perform its reactions
Cytoplasm The fluid that fills a cell where many chemical reactions occur
ATP The “energy currency” in cells. This is a molecule that stores small amounts of
energy to be released for use in cellular processes. It is made of an adenosine
molecule and three phosphate groups
ADP This is the low energy version of ATP. It has two phosphate groups instead of one.
It is recycled in the cell and used to make more ATP when it gains energy and a
phosphate.
Phosphate group A phosphorous atom with four oxygen atoms attached that form a negative
polyatomic ion used in the formation of DNA, RNA, and ATP
Anaerobic Without the use of oxygen
Aerobic With the use of oxygen
Pyruvate A three-carbon compound that is formed at the end of glycolysis. It is formed by
splitting glucose
Glucose Glucose is a monosaccharide that is most often used to make ATP in cells. It is also
the form of sugar found in the blood.
Glycolysis The complex process of splitting glucose to form a small amount of ATP. This
reaction takes place in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen.
Alcoholic
fermentation
The type of anaerobic respiration that occurs in yeast and plants. The products are
carbon dioxide and alcohol
Lactic acid
fermentation
The type of anaerobic respiration that occurs in animals, including humans. The
product is lactic acid (also called lactate)

2. 2.8.1 Cell respiration is the
controlled release of energy
from organic compounds to
produce ATP.
2.8.2 ATP from cell
respiration is immediately
available as a source of
energy in the cell.
2.8.3 Anaerobic cell
respiration gives a small
yield of ATP from glucose.
2.8.5 Use of anaerobic cell
respiration in yeasts to
produce ethanol and carbon
dioxide in baking.
2.8.6 Lactate production in
humans when anaerobic
respiration is used to
maximize the power of
muscle contractions.
Describe the process of cell respiration:
What energy-carrier molecule is produced in respiration?
List cellular activities that require ATP:
How is energy released from ATP molecules?
What occurs in anaerobic respiration?
List situations in which anaerobic respiration is useful:
Outline summary equations for anaerobic respiration:
In animals:
In yeast and plants:
Production of ethanol:
Production of carbon dioxide in baking:
When is anaerobic respiration likely to be used by humans?
Why is there a limit to how much anaerobic respiration can be done at a time?

3. 2.8.4 Aerobic cell respiration
requires oxygen and gives a
large yield of ATP from
glucose.
2.8.7 Analysis of results
from experiments involving
measurement of respiration
rates in germinating seeds or
invertebrates using a
respirometer.
Describe what occurs in aerobic respiration:
Summary equation:
What is a respirometer?
What experiments could a respirometer be used for?