Difference Between Breathing and Respiration

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 06:40 PM IST

This process and purpose distinguish between breathing and respiration because, fundamentally, both are very crucial for energy production in any living organism. The former refers to the actual act of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide using the lungs and the muscles that make up the respiratory system, which enables an exchange of gases with the surrounding environment. The difference between respiration and breathing must be understood since breathing is a mechanical process and respiration is cellular, occurring at the microscopic level. This is one of the topics in the chapter on breathing and the exchange of gases in biology.

Difference Between Breathing and Respiration

Breathing and Respiration

Respiratory is moving air in and out of the respiratory tissue also known as the lungs. It consists of two different processes: inspiration, which is taking in or drawing air into the lungs, and expiration, which is throwing or expelling it out of the lungs. When breathing in the diaphragm, and the muscles between the ribs, pull down and apart to accommodate the thoracic cavity and to take in air into the lungs. During expiration, these muscles relax, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity thus forcing out air.

Respiration is important in delivering oxygen to the blood as well as the removal of carbon dioxide that is a by-product of certain metabolic activities hence, it plays a critical role in the regulation of the body’s pH and respiratory processes.

This is a process of generating energy, whereby glucose becomes energy for the cell and releases carbon dioxide and water as wastes. It involves aerobic respiration, which involves using oxygen to produce a generous amount of ATP in the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain on the other hand, it involves anaerobic respiration, which occurs without oxygen, produces a small amount of ATP, hence produces substances like lactic acid or ethanol. Breathing is crucial for the release of energy to the cells to perform certain activities that are vital in supporting life.

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Differences Between Breathing and Respiration

Some of the major differences between breathing and respiration are discussed below in the table:

Aspect	Breathing	Respiration
Definition	This is the process of oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide known as breathing.	This is the biochemical process of breaking down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
Process	Involves processes like exhalation and inhalation.	Occurs inside a cell organelle called mitochondria and takes place inside the cell.
Type of Process	The physical process is voluntary and involuntary.	This is an involuntary chemical process which is regulated by cellular mechanisms.
Energy Production	Doesn't involve the production of energy.	Produces ATP as energy currency.
Cellular Activity	Extracellular processes which involve external interaction with the environment.	Intracellular process which takes place inside cells.
Enzymes used	No enzymes are involved.	Enzymes are involved which facilitate biochemical reactions.
Associated Organs	Organs like the nose, lungs and diaphragm are involved in the process.	Cell organelles like Mitochondria are involved.

Also Read

Larynx	Regulation of Respiration
Vocal Cord	asthma
Lung Diseases	Thorax

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between breathing and respiration?

Respiration as a means relates to the biochemical process which occurs at the cell level; to produce energy from glucose with the help of oxygen. At the same time, breathing is a ventilation process, an inhalation and exhalation of air.

2. What is the main difference between breathing and respiration?

Breathing is the physical process of inhaling and exhaling air, while respiration is the cellular process of breaking down glucose to release energy. Breathing occurs in the lungs, while respiration occurs in all living cells.

3. Why is respiration important for cells?

Respiration supplies cells with ATP which is used by the cells in performing most of the activities that happen in cells.

4. Can breathing and respiration occur independently?

No, they are rather mutually related, for the invitation is an attempt to determine the recipient’s consent concerning what the speaker intends to do and with whom. Breathing and oxygen supplied through breathing are interrelated; thus, abnormalities in any of the processes will alter the other.

5. What are the types of respiration?

In aerobic respiration – oxygen is used while in Anaerobic respiration – oxygen is not used.

6. How do breathing disorders affect respiration?

Respiratory diseases inhibit the entry and exit of air through the bronchial tubes, affecting the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the cell membranes hence affecting the generation of ATP needed in cells.

7. How does the diaphragm contribute to breathing?

The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle beneath the lungs. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity. This creates negative pressure, causing air to rush into the lungs during inhalation.

8. What is the difference between eupnea, hyperpnea, and dyspnea?

Eupnea is normal, relaxed breathing. Hyperpnea is increased depth and rate of breathing, often due to exercise or high altitude. Dyspnea is difficult or labored breathing, often associated with respiratory or cardiac disorders.

9. What is the role of carbon dioxide in regulating breathing?

Carbon dioxide levels in the blood are the primary trigger for breathing. When CO2 levels rise, it causes the blood to become more acidic. This is detected by chemoreceptors in the brain and blood vessels, which then signal an increase in breathing rate to expel more CO2.

10. How do insects breathe without lungs?

Insects breathe through a network of tubes called tracheae. These tubes branch throughout the body and open to the outside through small holes called spiracles. Oxygen diffuses directly from the air in the tracheae to the insect's cells.

11. How do anaerobic bacteria perform respiration without oxygen?

Anaerobic bacteria use alternative electron acceptors instead of oxygen in their respiratory chain. These can include nitrate, sulfate, or carbon dioxide. This process, called anaerobic respiration, yields less energy than aerobic respiration but allows survival without oxygen.

12. Why do we need to breathe if respiration happens in our cells?

We need to breathe to supply our cells with oxygen, which is essential for cellular respiration. Breathing also helps remove carbon dioxide, a waste product of respiration, from our bodies.

13. How does the rate of breathing relate to the rate of respiration?

The rate of breathing can change to meet the body's respiratory needs. When cellular respiration increases (e.g., during exercise), breathing rate increases to supply more oxygen and remove more carbon dioxide.

14. Can respiration occur without breathing?

Yes, respiration can occur without breathing in some organisms. For example, anaerobic respiration in certain bacteria and yeast doesn't require oxygen. However, in humans and most complex organisms, breathing is necessary to support aerobic respiration.

15. Is breathing a voluntary or involuntary process?

Breathing is both voluntary and involuntary. We can consciously control our breathing, but it also occurs automatically, regulated by the respiratory center in the brain stem.

16. What is the role of hemoglobin in respiration?

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to cells throughout the body for cellular respiration. It also helps transport some carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

17. Can plants breathe?

Plants don't breathe in the same way animals do, but they do exchange gases with their environment. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through tiny pores called stomata in their leaves, a process called gas exchange.

18. What is the difference between external and internal respiration?

External respiration refers to the exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood, while internal respiration refers to the exchange of gases between the blood and body tissues. Both are part of the overall respiratory process.

19. How do fish perform respiration without lungs?

Fish extract oxygen from water using gills. Water flows over the gills, and oxygen diffuses from the water into the fish's bloodstream. The blood then carries the oxygen to cells for cellular respiration.

20. What is the role of surfactant in breathing?

Surfactant is a substance produced by the lungs that reduces surface tension in the alveoli (air sacs). This prevents the alveoli from collapsing during exhalation, making breathing easier and more efficient.

21. What is the purpose of the Krebs cycle in cellular respiration?

The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, is a series of chemical reactions in cellular respiration that generates electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) and some ATP. These electron carriers are then used in the electron transport chain to produce more ATP.

22. How do aquatic plants perform gas exchange for respiration?

Aquatic plants have adaptations for gas exchange underwater. They can absorb oxygen directly from the water through their leaves and stems. Some have air spaces in their tissues (aerenchyma) that allow oxygen to reach submerged parts of the plant.

23. How does smoking affect breathing and respiration?

Smoking damages the lungs, reducing their capacity and efficiency. It can lead to inflammation, increased mucus production, and destruction of alveoli. This makes breathing more difficult and reduces the efficiency of gas exchange, affecting overall respiration.

24. How do plants regulate gas exchange?

Plants regulate gas exchange through stomata, small pores usually found on the undersides of leaves. Guard cells surrounding each stoma can open or close it, controlling the exchange of gases like CO2 and O2, as well as water vapor.

25. What is the role of myoglobin in muscle respiration?

Myoglobin is an oxygen-binding protein found in muscle tissues. It has a higher affinity for oxygen than hemoglobin and helps store oxygen within muscles. This stored oxygen can be used during periods of intense activity when oxygen demand exceeds supply.

26. How does the countercurrent flow in fish gills enhance oxygen uptake?

In fish gills, water flows in the opposite direction to blood flow (countercurrent flow). This maintains a constant concentration gradient, allowing for more efficient oxygen uptake throughout the entire length of the gill filament.

27. How does the respiratory system defend against pathogens?

The respiratory system has several defense mechanisms: mucus traps particles and pathogens, cilia move this mucus towards the throat for expulsion, and immune cells in the lungs attack invading microorganisms. Coughing and sneezing also help expel irritants.

28. How do diving mammals like whales and seals adapt for long periods without breathing?

Diving mammals have several adaptations: increased blood volume, higher hemoglobin concentration, more myoglobin in muscles, and the ability to slow heart rate and redirect blood flow to vital organs. These allow them to store and efficiently use oxygen during long dives.

29. How does acclimatization affect breathing at high altitudes?

During acclimatization to high altitudes, the body adapts by increasing breathing rate and depth, producing more red blood cells, and enhancing the efficiency of oxygen utilization in tissues. These changes help compensate for the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.

30. What is the role of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) in hemoglobin function?

2,3-BPG is a molecule that binds to hemoglobin, decreasing its affinity for oxygen. This helps hemoglobin release oxygen more readily in tissues, enhancing oxygen delivery. 2,3-BPG levels increase during conditions like high altitude or anemia to improve oxygen delivery.

31. What is the difference between obstructive and restrictive lung diseases?

Obstructive lung diseases, like asthma or COPD, involve airway narrowing or blockage, making it difficult to exhale fully. Restrictive lung diseases, like pulmonary fibrosis, reduce lung expansion, making it difficult to inhale fully. Both types affect breathing and gas exchange differently.

32. How do plants adapt their gas exchange mechanisms in aquatic environments?

Aquatic plants have several adaptations for gas exchange underwater:

33. What is the role of carbaminohemoglobin in CO2 transport?

Carbaminohemoglobin is formed when CO2 binds directly to amino groups on the hemoglobin protein. This is one way that CO2 is transported in the blood, accounting for about 20-30% of CO2 transport. It allows for efficient removal of CO2 from tissues and its transport to the lungs for exhalation.

34. How does altitude affect breathing and respiration?

At high altitudes, the air pressure and oxygen concentration are lower. This can lead to increased breathing rate and depth to compensate for the reduced oxygen availability, while cellular respiration may be affected due to less oxygen reaching the cells.

35. What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more energy (ATP) from glucose. Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen, produces less energy, and results in the formation of lactic acid or ethanol as byproducts.

36. How do plants respire at night when there's no sunlight for photosynthesis?

Plants perform cellular respiration continuously, day and night. At night, when photosynthesis isn't occurring, plants rely on stored glucose for respiration. They take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, just like animals do.

37. How does exercise affect breathing and respiration rates?

During exercise, muscles require more oxygen for increased cellular respiration. This leads to an increase in both breathing rate and depth to supply more oxygen to the blood. The heart rate also increases to circulate this oxygen-rich blood more quickly.

38. What is the difference between tidal volume and vital capacity?

Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, typically about 500 mL. Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation, usually around 4-5 liters in adults.

39. What is the role of ATP in cellular respiration?

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the main energy currency of cells, produced during cellular respiration. It stores energy in its chemical bonds, which is released when the bonds are broken, providing energy for various cellular processes.

40. What is the difference between diffusion and active transport in gas exchange?

Diffusion is the passive movement of gases from an area of high concentration to low concentration, requiring no energy. Active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient. In the lungs, gas exchange primarily occurs through diffusion.

41. What is the difference between internal and external intercostal muscles in breathing?

External intercostal muscles contract during inhalation, lifting the ribs and expanding the chest cavity. Internal intercostal muscles contract during forced exhalation, pulling the ribs down and inward, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity.

42. What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in respiration?

Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, and vice versa. This reaction is crucial for transporting CO2 in the blood and maintaining the body's acid-base balance during respiration.

43. How does the Bohr effect relate to respiration?

The Bohr effect describes how hemoglobin's oxygen affinity decreases as CO2 levels or acidity increase. This helps hemoglobin release more oxygen in tissues with high metabolic activity (and thus high CO2), enhancing oxygen delivery where it's most needed.

44. What is the role of pneumotaxic center in breathing regulation?

The pneumotaxic center, located in the pons of the brainstem, helps regulate the rate and depth of breathing. It can inhibit the inspiratory center, preventing the lungs from over-inflating and helping to control the transition from inhalation to exhalation.

45. What is the difference between anatomical and physiological dead space in the lungs?

Anatomical dead space refers to air in the conducting airways that doesn't participate in gas exchange. Physiological dead space includes both the anatomical dead space and alveoli that are ventilated but not perfused with blood, thus not contributing to gas exchange.

46. How does the respiratory system maintain acid-base balance in the body?

The respiratory system helps maintain acid-base balance by regulating CO2 levels in the blood. Increased breathing rate can expel more CO2, reducing blood acidity, while decreased breathing rate allows CO2 to accumulate, increasing acidity. This works in conjunction with the renal system for overall pH regulation.

47. How do terrestrial insects perform gas exchange?

Terrestrial insects use a tracheal system for gas exchange. Air enters through spiracles (openings in the exoskeleton) and travels through a network of increasingly smaller tubes (tracheae and tracheoles) that deliver oxygen directly to cells. This system allows for efficient gas exchange without the need for a circulatory system to transport gases.

48. What is the role of pulmonary surfactant in premature infants?

Pulmonary surfactant is crucial for proper lung function in newborns. Premature infants often lack sufficient surfactant, which can lead to respiratory distress syndrome. Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse and making breathing easier. Treatment often involves administering artificial surfactant to improve lung function.

49. How does the respiratory system interact with the circulatory system during gas exchange?

The respiratory and circulatory systems work closely together in gas exchange. In the lungs, oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood in the surrounding capillaries, while CO2 diffuses from the blood into the alveoli. The circulatory system then transports the oxygenated blood to tissues and returns CO2-rich blood to the lungs, completing the cycle.

50. What is the difference between chloroplasts and mitochondria in terms of gas exchange?

Chloroplasts in plant cells use CO2 and release O2 during photosynthesis, while mitochondria in both plant and animal cells use O2 and release CO2 during cellular respiration. This complementary gas exchange in plants allows them to produce their own food and energy.

51. How do amphibians perform gas exchange through their skin?

Many amphibians can perform cutaneous respiration, or gas exchange through their skin. Their skin is thin and moist, allowing oxygen to diffuse directly into blood vessels near the surface. This supplements their lung or gill respiration and is especially important when underwater or in low-oxygen environments.

52. What is the role of negative pressure in inhalation?

Inhalation is driven by negative pressure breathing. When the diaphragm contracts and intercostal muscles expand the rib cage, it increases the volume of the thoracic cavity. This creates a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure inside the lungs, causing air to flow in to equalize the pressure.

53. How does the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve relate to gas exchange in different tissues?

The oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve shows how oxygen saturation of hemoglobin changes with oxygen partial pressure. Its S-shape allows efficient loading of oxygen in the lungs (where oxygen pressure is high) and unloading in tissues (where oxygen pressure is low). Factors like pH, temperature, and CO2 levels can shift this curve, affecting oxygen delivery to tissues.

54. What is the difference between ventilation and perfusion in the lungs?

Ventilation refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, while perfusion refers to the flow of blood through the lung capillaries. Efficient gas exchange requires a good match between ventilation and perfusion. Mismatches can lead to areas of the lung that are ventilated but not perfused (dead space) or perfused but not ventilated (shunt).

55. How does the concept of partial pressures apply to gas exchange in the lungs?

Gas exchange in the lungs follows the principle of partial pressures. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli (where its partial pressure is higher) into the blood (where its partial pressure is lower). Conversely, CO2 diffuses from the blood (higher partial pressure) into the alveoli (lower partial pressure). This passive diffusion along pressure gradients drives the gas exchange process without requiring energy input.