GCSE Biology (WJEC)

Topic Summaries

Photosynthesis and respiration

Lactic acid accumulation (HT ONLY)

  • If insufficient oxygen is supplied, anaerobic respiration takes place in muscles to provide energy, causing a build-up of lactic acid, which causes cramps and muscle fatigue, so they stop contracting efficiently.
  • Blood flowing through the muscles transports the lactic acid to the liver where it is converted back into glucose. Oxygen debt is the amount of extra oxygen required after exercise to react with lactic acid to remove it from cells.

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