Science·Organisms & Life Processes·conceptual
Anaerobic Respiration
Explain anaerobic respiration in animals as the incomplete breakdown of glucose to lactic acid when oxygen is in short supply, causing muscle fatigue; contrast this with aerobic respiration in terms of energy yield and products
Suggested ages 12–14
Evidence of understanding
- Writes the word equation for anaerobic respiration in animals
- Explains why lactic acid causes muscle pain and fatigue
- Compares the energy released by aerobic and anaerobic respiration
- Explains oxygen debt and recovery after vigorous exercise
Assessment prompt
If Anaerobic Respiration sprinted as fast as they could and their legs started to burn and ache afterwards, could they explain what's happening inside their muscles — why there isn't enough oxygen, and what the body produces instead?
Standards alignment
KS3.Sci.Bio.GasExchange.6GB · uk-nc-2013
Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3