Question

Give the significance of respiration.

Answer 1

Hint: Respiration is defined as the exchange of \[\mathop O\nolimits_2 \] from the atmosphere with \[\mathop {CO}\nolimits_2 \] produced by the cells. It is simply defined as intake of fresh air and removal of foul air. It includes inspiration and expiration processes. It involves biological oxidation of organic molecules.

Complete answer:
Based on the presence or absence of oxygen two types of respiration are present.
Aerobic respiration:- the respiration that occurs in the presence of oxygen and results in the formation of water, and energy.
Anaerobic respiration:- the respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen and results in the formation of ethanol or sometimes lactic acid.
Some important significance of respiration are as following :-
We respire and expire to live by obtaining energy in the form of ATP and other necessary gases, heat, which are crucial and essential for the survival of a being.
Our body is in constant need for the supply of oxygen. It is the major element that brings the breakdown that is catabolism of molecules. Inside the cells, commonly the living cells the food is broken down into water and carbon dioxide with the help of oxygen. This process is usually done to obtain the energy for the daily process that we do in our life.
The energy stored in ATP during respiration is used to carry out different biological functions such as contraction in muscles to show movement.
Respiration is the necessary process that occurs to help in the conductance in nerves through neurons.
It also has a significant role in maintenance of the protoplasmic structure.
It plays a great role in cyclosis, membrane permeability and also biosynthesis.
Optimum availability of respiratory substrate is essential for liberation of energy required for body activities. If you have not taken food the whole day, you will feel weak and lazy because of the reduced availability of respiratory substrate and hence insufficient amount of energy. Rate of breathing also indicates the amount of energy being liberated.

Note: Respiration is a multistep, enzyme mediated biochemical process of oxidative breakdown of organic compounds inside living cells releasing small packets of energy at various steps. It is, therefore, a catabolic and exergonic process. The organic compounds that undergo oxidative breakdown in respiration are called respiratory substrates. The most common respiratory substrate is glucose.