Overview

In this activity, students (grades 9-12) learn about the role of mitochondria in a cell’s energy production. They compare the three metabolic pathways that produce ATP. They describe in detail the structure of mitochondria and how it relates to its function in energy production. As an option, they review the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain to identify how ATP can be produced from glucose. They learn about the differences in structure of fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers and the role of each in different types of physical activity. They explore how an understanding of aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways could affect the way athletes train. Finally, they learn about physiological research on the relationship between oxygen and performance at high altitudes.

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This lesson resides at Teachers’ Domain, an online library of more than 1,000 free media resources from the best in public television. These classroom resources, featuring media from NOVA, Frontline, Design Squad, American Experience and other public broadcasting and content partners are easy to use and correlate to state and national standards. Go to teachersdomain.org.