Respiration refers to the biological process by which living organisms, including humans, lions, birds and plants obtain energy from the intake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide. It happens by breaking down the complex food substances with the use of oxygen to release energy where carbon dioxide is released as by-product. It is a vital process that occurs in all cells to sustain life.
Respiration in order words can be complex reaction that take place in the body system of living organisms for the production of energy such as glucose into usable form of energy by the living cells of organism for their daily metabolic activities.
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We should not be confused Respiration with the normal breathing. Breathing is just the physical activities of exchange of gasses where we take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. But Respiration goes beyond this and that is what is termed as internal respiration. Breathing is just external respiration.
There are two main types of respiration: aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and is the most common type of respiration in organisms. It takes place in the mitochondria of cells and involves the breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy is used by cells for various metabolic activities. For instance during athletics, the person require enough oxygen to fill the lungs when most of the energy is burnt through working. But when we are sitting normal without carrying out any activity, we breath normal and use oxygen at normal way.
Anaerobic respiration, on the other hand, occurs in the absence of oxygen. It is less efficient than aerobic respiration and only produces a small amount of ATP. One example of anaerobic respiration is fermentation, where glucose is broken down into simpler molecules such as lactic acid or ethanol.
The difference between Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
The simple difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration are that, in aerobic respiration there is presence of oxygen. In anaerobic respiration there is Gases are exchanged in this form of respiration. In the anaerobic respiration gases are not exchanged in this form of respiration. In the aerobic respiration it can be found in the cytoplasm and the mitochondria. In the anaerobic respiration it can be found only in the cytoplasm. Glucose breaks down into carbon dioxide and water in aerobic respiration. Glucose breaks down into ethyl alcohol, carbon dioxide and energy in the anaerobic respiration. All higher organisms such as mammals have aerobic respirations. Lower organisms such as bacteria and yeast use anaerobic respiration. More energy is required in the aerobic respiration. Less energy is required in the anaerobic respiration.
In humans, respiration involves multiple interconnected systems, including the respiratory system and the circulatory system. The respiratory system consists of organs such as the lungs, diaphragm, and airways (bronchi and trachea) that facilitate the exchange of gases between the body and the environment. Oxygen is inhaled into the lungs, where it diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is expelled from the body through exhalation.
The circulatory system plays a crucial role in respiration by transporting oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the body's tissues and carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for elimination. This process is facilitated by the beating of the heart, which pumps oxygenated blood to various parts of the body.
Functions of Respiration
1•Respiration is essential for the survival and functioning of all living organisms.
2• It provides the energy needed for cellular processes, ensures the removal of waste products, and maintains the balance of gases in the body.
3•Without respiration, life as we know it would not be possible. It ensures the amount of Oxygen present on the environment.
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