Respiration (physiology)

Respiration is the process by which an organism obtains energy by reacting oxygen with glucose to give water, carbon dioxide and ATP (energy). Respiration is commonly confused with breathing, but they are not the same. Respiration takes place on a cellular level whereas breathing is on a different level. Respiration takes place in the mitochondria of the cells and provide the cells with energy.

Respiration also takes place in plants, where they respire the products of photosynthesis - oxygen and glucose to give energy, water and carbon dioxide.

REACTION OF RESPIRATION

Aerobic Respiration

Word Reaction:

glucose + oxygen ---> water vapour + carbon dioxide + energy (2380 kJ)

Anaerobic Respiration

Word Reaction:

glucose ---> alcohol + carbon dioxide + water vapour + energy (118 KJ)

As you can see, Anaerobic respiration releases much less energy because the alcohol released still contains great deal of energy.

We inhale oxygene and exhale carbon dioxide

SEE ALSO

There are several ways to Dichotomize the physiology of respiration:

BY SPECIES