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Difference Between Breathing and Respiration

Difference Between Breathing and Respiration

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 02 Jul 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
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.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the concept of partial pressures apply to gas exchange in the lungs?
A:
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.
Q: What is the difference between ventilation and perfusion in the lungs?
A:
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).
Q: How does the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve relate to gas exchange in different tissues?
A:
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.
Q: What is the role of negative pressure in inhalation?
A:
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.
Q: How do amphibians perform gas exchange through their skin?
A:
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.
Q: What is the difference between chloroplasts and mitochondria in terms of gas exchange?
A:
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.
Q: How do terrestrial insects perform gas exchange?
A:
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.
Q: What is the difference between internal and external intercostal muscles in breathing?
A:
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.
Q: What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in respiration?
A:
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.
Q: How does the Bohr effect relate to respiration?
A:
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.
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