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Breathing and Respiration are referred to as two completely different but interrelated life processes that assist body organs to function properly. Breathing is the physical process of exchanging gases whereas respiration is a chemical process that takes place at a cellular level and produces energy. Breathing does not result in any form of energy whereas respiration produces energy in the form of ATP. At times, these two terms are used interchangeably, however, the two terms have very different meanings and involve different processes.
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Key Terms: Breathing, Respiration, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Alveoli, Trachea, Diaphragm, ATP, Glucose, Respiratory System, Lungs
Breathing
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Breathing refers to the voluntary and biophysical action our body performs. We also call it ventilation. It occurs when we inhale and exhale with the help of our lungs. Moreover, during this process, our ribcage shrinks and expands, using the muscles present between the ribs.
Breathing
Read More: Mechanism of Breathing
Respiration
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Respiration refers to an involuntary and chemical action of living organisms made by our body's cells. During this process, glucose and oxygen are turned into water and carbon dioxide. Therefore, it results in the release of energy in the form of ATP. All living things need the energy to perform daily tasks, both physical and chemical. For example, we need the energy to move, regulate body temperature, for growth and repair, and so on. It occurs in all living things including plant cells and animal cells. Two different types of respiration are aerobic and anaerobic.
Respiration in Humans
Read More: Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
Difference between Breathing and Respiration
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The main distinctions between respiration and breathing are as follows:
| Basis | Breathing | Respiration |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Breathing is defined as the process of inhaling oxygen from the environment and exhaling carbon dioxide back to it with the help of the lungs. | Respiration is a process where glucose is broken down to produce energy which is used for cellular activities. |
| Process | Breathing is a biophysical voluntary process that happens in two stages, inhalation and exhalation. | Respiration is a biochemical involuntary process that takes place through glycolysis and the Kerbs cycle. |
| Occurrence | Breathing takes place in the lungs. | Respiration takes place in the cells. |
| Energy Produced | No energy is produced through breathing. | Respiration produces energy as ATP molecules. |
| Enzymes Used | There are no enzymes produced in breathing. | Many enzymes play a major role in the process of respiration. |
| Associated Organs | Breathing takes place through the respiratory system. | Respiration takes place through each cell. |
| Cellular Activity | Breathing is an extracellular process. | Respiration is an intracellular process. |
Read More: Breathing and Exchange of Gases MCQ
Things to Remember
- Breathing is the process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide back to the environment with the help of the lungs.
- Respiration is a process where glucose is broken down to produce energy to be used for cellular activities.
- Respiration is a biochemical involuntary process that takes place through glycolysis and the Kerbs cycle. Breathing is a biophysical voluntary process that happens in two stages, inhalation and exhalation.
- Breathing takes place in the lungs while respiration takes place in cells.
- No energy is released during the process of breathing while energy is released in the form of ATP in respiration.
Sample Questions
Ques. Define breathing. (3 Marks)
Ans. Breathing refers to the voluntary and biophysical action our body performs. We also call it ventilation. It occurs when we inhale and exhale with the help of our lungs. Moreover, during this process, our ribcage shrinks and expands, using the muscles present between the ribs.
Ques. Explain the process of inhalation. (3 Marks)
Ans. Our chest cavity has a slight negative pressure which keeps the lungs open. When we inhale, our lung volume increases due to the contraction of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles, this helps in expanding the chest cavity. And as the volume increases there is a decrease in pressure within the chest cavity which is less than the atmospheric pressure. This pressure gradient between the chest cavity and the atmospheric pressure allows the air to enter the lungs which is inhalation.
Ques. Explain the process of Exhalation. (5 Marks)
Ans. During exhalation, the chest expands out. We should note here that the human lungs are elastic and when the lungs are filled with air the tissues of the lung exert pressure back towards the interior of the lungs. The inward and outward forces compete to inflate and deflate the lungs at every breath.
As and when one exhales, the lungs force the air out and the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm relax, which increases the pressure within the chest cavity. Due to the pressure gradient between the chest cavity and the atmosphere, the air exits the lungs. We classify exhalation as a passive event since there is no muscle contraction to expel the air.
Ques. List four differences between breathing and respiration. (5 Marks)
Ans. The differences between breathing and respiration are given as follows:
- Breathing is a biophysical voluntary process that happens in two stages, inhalation and exhalation. Respiration is a biochemical involuntary process that takes place through glycolysis and the Kerbs cycle.
- No energy is produced through breathing. Respiration produces energy in the form of ATP.
- There are no enzymes produced in breathing. Many enzymes play a major role in the process of respiration.
- Breathing takes place through the respiratory system. Respiration takes place through each cell.
Ques. Explain the process of respiration. (3 Marks)
Ans. We can define respiration as a biochemical process in which the cell of an organism obtains energy from oxygen and glucose and in turn releases ATP, H2O and CO2. This energy by respiration is used for various daily activities such as walking, running, sitting, and almost all bodily processes. Respiration plays a vital role in maintaining the functions of our organ system. Respiration is classified into two types:
- Aerobic respiration
- Anaerobic respiration
Ques. State the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (3 Marks)
Ans. Aerobic Respiration takes place in the presence of oxygen to produce energy. It is observed in all types of eukaryotic cells. Anaerobic Respiration takes place in the absence of oxygen and can generally be observed in human muscle cells, prokaryotes, and methanogens.
Ques. Is cellular respiration active or passive? (3 Marks)
Ans. As we have read previously, cellular respiration is an incredibly complex process that takes place in the mitochondria. The respiration process has the movement of molecules across cell membranes or the movement of electrons from one molecule to another. Respiration is a passive, biochemical process. Here everything takes place without any external assistance inside a cell.
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