Respiration

Respiration is the process of release of energy from food. It involves taking in oxygen into the cell ,
using it for releasing energy and then elimination of waste products like CO2 and water.

Food + Oxygen ---- Carbondioxide + water + Energy

The process of respiration takes place within the cell of the body and hence it is known as cellular
respiration.

The respiratory substrate is Glucose and the respiratory pigment is haemoglobin.

During the process of respiration, glucose which is a 6 atom carbon compound is broken down into 2
pyruvate molecules having 3 C atoms each. This process is called Glycolysis and it takes place in the
cytoplasm of the cell. Glycolysis is the first step in respirtation. After glycolysis , some organisms
perform aerobic respiration while others show anerobic respiration.

Types of respiration:

a. Aerobic respiration—Respiration that takes place in the presence of oxygen is called aerobic
respiration. Glucose is completely oxidized to give carbon di oxide , water and energy in the
form of ATP ( 38 ATP per one molecule of glucose)

Glucose ----- Pyruvate ------ presence of Oxygen ----- CO2 + H2O + 38 ATP

b. Anaerobic respiration – Respiration that takes place in the absence of oxygen is called
anaerobic respiration. Glucose is partially oxidized to give Ethanol and carbondioxide and 2
ATP

Glucose ------ Pyruvate ----- absence of oxygen------- Ethanol + CO2 + 2 ATP

This process is called fermentation.

c. Sometimes human muscles respire anerobically during vigourous physical exercise when the
oxygen in used up faster. During this process glucose is oxidized to produce lactic acid and 2
ATP.

Accumulation of lactic acid causes cramps. Once we massage or take hot water bath, we get
relief from cramps as the circulation becomes norma and oxygen is supplied to muscle cells and
they respire aerobically

Glucose ----- Pyruvate ----------- in our muscle cells ----- Lactic acid + 2 ATP.

The energy released during respiration is used to make ATP molecule from ADP ( Adenosine Di
Phosphate) and inorganic phosphate.

ADP – Phosphate + Energy -- ATP

When cell needs energy ATP is broken down to release energy

RESPIRATION IN OTHER ANIMALS

Amoeba – Exchange of gases in amoeba takes place by simple diffusion through cell membrane.

Oxygen diffuses into the cell and is used up for respiration. The CO2 produce during this process
is diffused out through the cell membrane.

Diffusion is not sufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of large organisms like humans
because the volume of human body is so big that oxygen cannot diffuse into all cell quickly.

Earthworm – Exchange of gases in earthworm takes place through skin. That is why the skin is
always kept moist and is richly supplied with blood vessels. This type of respiration is called
Cutaneous respiration.

Fishes – In Aquatic animals like fishes exchange of gases takes place through gills. Oxygen
dissolved in water is taken when water flows through gills. Gills are richly supplied with blood
vessels. This is called Branchial respiration.

Insects – In insects, exchange of gases takes place through pores on the body called spiracles,
and air tubes called trachea. This is called Tracheal respiration.

Human beings –Exchange of gases takes place through lungs. This is called Bronchial or
pulmonary respiration.

All respiratory organs have the following common features:

1. They have large surface area to get enough oxygen

RESPIRATION IN PLANTS

Exchange of gases in plants takes place through stems , roots and leaves by diffusion.

Respiration in roots. Epidermal cells of roots extend to form root hairs. These are in direct
contact with air present in the soil. O2 from soil enters into the root hairs and is transported by
diffusion.

Respiration in stems – In herbs, the stems have stomata through which exchange of gases take
place. O2 diffuses through stomata and reaches the stem.

In hard and woody stems of big trees, exchange of gases takes place through lenticles ( loose
outer covering of stem). O2 diffuses through the stem and CO2 diffuses out.

Respiration in leaves. Leaves have stomata through which exchange of gases takes place.

Breathing – Breathing is a physical process through which exchange of gases takes place. It
involves taking in air called inhalation and giving out air called exhalation.
Mechanism of breathing –

Inhalation – During inhalation , the muscles between the ribs contract causing the rib cage to
move outward, and the diaphragm contracs and moves down. This increase the space in the
chest cavity and the air from outside is taken in.

Exhalation – During exhalation , the muscles between the ribs relax causing rib cage to move
inward and the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward. This causes the chest cavity to become
smaller and hence the air is pushed out.

Respiratory system in human beings

It consists of nose, nasal passage, trachea , bronchi , lings and diaphragm.

Nose - Air is drawn through nostrils present in the nose , which leads to nasal cavity. The nasal
passage is lined with fine hair and mucus. When air passes, the dust and impurities in it are
traped by nasal hair and mucus. The air is also warmed in this cavity.

From nasal passage, air enters into pharynx ( Part of throat between the mouth and windpipe)
and the goes to wind pipe or trachea.

Trachea is supported with rings of cartilage that prevent it from collapsing when there is no air in
it.

Trachea runs down and divides into 2 tubes called bronchi. Each bronchi enter one lung.

Lungs lie in the chest cavity or thoracic cavity which is separated from abdominal cavity by a
muscular partition called diaphragm.

Lungs are covered with pleural [Link] are enclosed in rib cage.

Bronchi divides inside the lungs to form bronchioles which end in tiny air sacs called alveoli.
Exchange of gases takes place in alveoli.

Alveoli have thin walls and are richly supplied with blood vessels for exchange of gases.

Draw the diagram of respiratory system.

Rate of breathing

Average rate of breathing in adul at rest is 15 to 18 times per minute.

During rapid exercise, rate of breathing increases in order to supply more oxygen.

Aquatic organisms show more rate of breathing as they have to take dissolved oxygen present in
water.

Respiratory disorders

Emphysema --- Obstruction in bronchioles caused by reaking of alveolar septs

Asthama – Narrowing of air passage.

Pneumonia – Mucous accumulate in alveoli and bronchioles.

TB – Bacterial infection of lungs

Pleurisis Inflamation of pleural membrane