MicrobeLibrary - Aerobic & Anaerobic Respiration

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration are among the most fundamental of microbial metabolic processes, influencing not only the activity of individual cells but the global cycling of major elements. Yet many students have difficulty understanding how cellular respiration works, and are even less aware of anaerobic respiration . Most study aids focus solely on mitochondria and do not demonstrate how proteins such as nitrate reductase function to channel electrons to anaerobic electron acceptors.

I wrote this interactive animated tutorial in Macromedia Flash to provide a very accessible introduction to the mechanics of aerobic and anaerobic respiration for students of microbiology. The tutorial has 5 sections: (1) an overview, including navigational tools; (2) a detailed look at the electron transport system; (3) an aerobic ending to electron transport; (4) an anerobic ending to electron transport, using nitrate as an electron acceptor; and (5) a representation of ATP synthase and the mechanics by which the proton gradient is converted into rotation and ATP synthesis.

This tutorial has two potential uses. (1) Instructors can use sections of the animations during class to convey the dynamics and organization of respiration. (2) Students can be assigned the tutorial as a supplement for use outside of class.