Effect of Exercise on Heart Rate Investigation

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Daniel Lewis, 10HR                   Effect of Exercise on Heart Rate Investigation

                                                        - Research

   

   Exercise can affect respiration and the heart rate dramatically. Muscles need energy to maintain their functions. This energy is provided through a process called respiration.

   When the heart is at resting rate enough oxygenated blood is being pumped around the body for a stable state of aerobic respiration. Resting rates vary between different people. The healthier a person is, the lower their heart’s resting rate is.

   Aerobic respiration is the release of energy from glucose in the presence of oxygen. In our bodies tissues glucose can be broken down to release energy, which may be used for bodily functions such as muscle contractions. The general equation for the process of aerobic respiration is:

Glucose + Oxygen = Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy

   Aerobic respiration takes place in almost all living things. The waste products of the process are Carbon Dioxide, excess water and energy. The Carbon Dioxide and water can be easily excreted and the energy is used up in the body where it is needed.

   During exercise the heart rate may increase. Aerobic respiration will prolong if the necessary amount of oxygen helps produce enough energy for the muscles to continue functioning.

   Anaerobic respiration occurs when muscle cells do not receive enough oxygen to produce the energy needed. This occurs during vigorous exercise. The heart cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to the muscles when they become particularly tired. The heart rate increases in an attempt to send more oxygen to the muscles, but when it fails anaerobic respiration begins to take place.

   Anaerobic respiration produces less energy than aerobic respiration. But it is only used as a last resort when energy is scarce.

   There are more toxic waste products as a result of anaerobic respiration than there are as a result of aerobic respiration. Lactic acid is an organic acid, which is produced as a waste product during anaerobic respiration. Lactic acid is toxic and if it remains in the body it can cause cramps and other muscle pains. Lactic acid can be broken down by oxygen.

   When anaerobic respiration starts to take place energy is taken from glucose without using Oxygen to break it down. This creates an Oxygen debt, which when paid pack oxidises lactic acid to carbon dioxide and water.

   Mitochondria are another important factor for cell energy. Inside a cell there can be thousands of mitochondria, depending on a cells role. The purpose of mitochondria is to break down food molecules so that cells have energy to live. Mitochondria are extremely small organelles. Inside them are a fluid called a matrix and an inner membrane, which folds many times to give maximum surface area.

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   The matrix is a liquid mixed with water and protein. It is the proteins that take food molecules and combine then with Oxygen. Mitochondria are the only parts of a cell where Oxygen combines with food to release the energy within. In cells aerobic respiration takes place in the mitochondria.

   When the heart rate is at it’s maximum it is pumping as much oxygen to the muscles as possible. After exercise the heart rate will take a while to return back to it’s resting rate. In this time the oxygen debt is paid back so that any lactic ...

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