At the same time that aerobic metabolism of fats and carbohydrate is taking over the energy supply, some carbohydrate is going down another energy pathway, the glycolytic pathway. This path gives a lot less ATP (Cellular respiration takes in food and uses it to create ATP, a chemical which the cell uses for energy) Cellular respiration is what cells do to break up sugars into a form that the cell can use as energy. This happens in all forms of life. Regular cellular respiration is aerobic (requires oxygen), but some simple organisms can only do anaerobic cellular respiration for every sugar molecule broken down, but it isn't dependent on the oxygen supply. And it makes a waste product called lactic acid.
Aerobic respiration
Aerobic respiration requires oxygen. It happens in cells when glucose reacts with oxygen. Here are the word and symbol - higher only - equations:
Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy)
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O (+ energy)
Anaerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration does not need oxygen. It happens when there is not enough oxygen for aerobic respiration. Here is the word equation:
Glucose → lactic acid (+ energy)
Much less energy is released by anaerobic respiration than by aerobic respiration.
During exercise, the muscle cells respire more than they do at rest. This means:
Oxygen and glucose must be delivered to them more quickly
Waste carbon dioxide must be removed more quickly
This is achieved by increasing the breathing rate and heart rate. The increase in heart rate can be detected by measuring the pulse rate.
During hard exercise, the oxygen supply may not be enough for the needs of the muscle cells. When this happens, anaerobic respiration takes place, as well as aerobic respiration. The lactic acid that forms causes muscle fatigue and pain.
The highest ranked male is British rower Steve Redgrave also with 5 gold medals and has 1 bronze medal so that is 6 medals in total.
Since being diagnosed with diabetes in 1997, Steve has become a source of inspiration for many diabetics.
Having initially thought his career may be over; Steve sought the guidance of medical experts and went on to win his fifth gold medal at the Sydney Olympics. It was a pivotal moment in sporting history but for many people watching, it was proof that diabetes didn't have to mean the end to athletic achievement whether it is at the Olympics or at the local leisure centre.
Today, Steve often receives emails from people who have recently been diagnosed and are trying to adapt to life with diabetes.
"I decided very early on that diabetes was going to live with me, not me live with diabetes," says Steve.
Steve Redgrave is specialised in rowing
BIG Muscles
