Difference Between Breathing and Respiration

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Nov 29, 2024 11:00 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.

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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. 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.

3. 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.

4. What are the types of respiration?

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

5. 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.