Respiration and

Pollution I
GRADE 11
WLewis
Specific objectives
 Define respiration.
 Explain the mechanism of breathing.
 Discuss the process of gaseous exchange.
 Discuss the importance of respiration to organisms.
 Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Definition for respiration
 Respiration is the process by which energy is
released from food in the cells.

 This may occur in the presence or absence of

oxygen. A part of respiration in animals involves
breathing.
Parts of the respiratory system

Air enters the body

through the nose and
mouth passes into the
windpipe or trachea.
Parts of the respiratory system
The trachea divides into
two bronchi (singular:
bronchus) which take air to
and from the alveoli in
each of the lungs.
Parts of the respiratory system
The lungs are located in
the chest, or thoracic
cavity, where they are
surrounded by the rib
cage. A sheet of muscle
called the diaphragm seals
the bottom of the cavity.
 Breathing
 Thisis the process in which air moves into and out of the
lungs. It is carried out through various respiratory organs.
 When we breathe, we take in air that is rich in oxygen from the
atmosphere in return for which, we give out carbon dioxide-
rich air into the atmosphere which is utilized by the plants for
photosynthesis.
 Thisis a continuous process and goes on throughout the life of
an organism.
 The Mechanism of Breathing
 The mechanism of breathing involves two processes:
 Inspiration/ inhalation
 Expiration/ exhalation

• Inhalation involves the taking in of air, while exhalation

involves the expulsion of air from the lungs.
Mechanism of Breathing
 Inspiration (Inhalation)
In the process of inspiration, several changes occur resulting in
air being drawn into the lungs. These include:
 the contraction of muscles attached to the ribs on the outer
side which pulls out the ribs and results in the expansion of
the chest cavity (volume increase).
 With the expansion of the lungs, the air pressure inside the
lungs decreases.
Mechanism of Breathing
 Inspiration (Inhalation)

 the diaphragm, contracts, moves downwards and expands the

chest cavity (volume increases).

 The expansion of the chest cavity produces a partial vacuum

which sucks air into the lungs and fills the expanded alveoli.
Mechanism of Breathing
 Expiration (Exhalation)
In the process of inspiration, several changes occur resulting in
air being drawn into the lungs. These include:
 the muscles attached to the ribs relaxes causing the ribs to
move inward and downward and results in the reduction of
the chest cavity (volume decrease).
 With the compression of the lungs, the air pressure inside the
lungs increases.
Mechanism of Breathing
 Expiration (Exhalation)

 the diaphragm, relaxes, moves upwards and reduces volume

of the chest cavity.

 The reduction in the volume of the chest cavity produces an

increase in pressure on the lungs which forces air out of the
lungs through the nostrils.
 Composition of inhaled and exhaled air
Inhaled air Exhaled air Reason

Oxygen 21% 16% Some oxygen is used for cellular respiration

Carbon dioxide made by the cell is transported

Carbon dioxide 0.04% 4%
by the blood to the lungs

Nitrogen 78% 78% Nitrogen is not used

The surface of the alveoli is moist to aid

Water vapour Usually dry Moist gaseous exchange and some of this water
evaporates
Usually cooler
Usually warmer
Temperature (room
(body temperature)
Air is warmed by body heat while in the body
temperature)
Relationship of CPR to breathing
 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR) is an emergency life-
saving procedure that that is done
when someone’s breathing or
heartbeat has stopped. CPR
combines rescue breathing and
chest compressions.
Ventilator
 A ventilator is a machine that supports breathing. It’s also
called a breathing machine or respirator.
 The machine works by bringing oxygen to the lungs and
taking carbon dioxide out of the lungs both via the breathing
tube. This allows a patient who has trouble breathing or who
have lost all ability to breathe on their own to receive the
proper amount of oxygen. It also helps the patient’s body to
heal as it will require less energy to breathe
Patient on Ventilator
Gaseous Exchange
Gas exchange is the process in
which oxygen and carbon
dioxide passes across a
membrane or respiratory surface
in opposite directions.
In humans gas exchange occurs
in the alveoli which are found in
the lungs.
Gaseous Exchange in animals
When air is inhaled, oxygen
diffuses from the alveoli into
the blood to be used for
respiration by the body’s cells.
Carbon dioxide is a waste
product made by the body’s
cells during respiration. It
diffuses from the blood into the
alveoli and is exhaled.
Gaseous Exchange
 Gaseous exchange also occur in plants
since plants undergo respiration. It is
also important in photosynthesis.
 Plants do not have lungs to inhale and
exhale air. Instead, plants rely on air
diffusing in and out through tiny holes
called stomato (one is called a stoma).
Gaseous Exchange in plants
Gaseous Exchange in plants
 Inplants there are two processes of
gaseous exchange takes place: respiration
and photosynthesis.
 During the day, carbon dioxide is used in
photosynthesis and oxygen is produced,
therefore carbon dioxide enters the
leaves. Some of the oxygen produced is
used in respiration but the excess leaves
the leaves.
Gaseous Exchange in plants cont..
 During the night, without light, the plant
cannot carry out photosynthesis, only
respiration takes place. The concentration
of oxygen in the leaves fall since it is
being used up in respiration. Carbon
dioxide which is being produced
increases in concentration and diffuses
out of the leaves.
Features common to respiratory surfaces
 For efficient gaseous exchange, a respiratory
surface must:
 Have a large surface area
 Be moist
 Be thin

Activity
Explain the importance of each feature of the respiratory surfaces
The importance of respiration

 Respiration is needed in order for organism to obtain energy

for survival. Energy in the food molecules is released and
becomes available for cellular work.
 Respiration in the presence of oxygen is called aerobic, while
respiration in the absence of oxygen is called anaerobic.
 Aerobic respiration produces more energy than anaerobic
respiration.
The importance of respiration
 Aerobic respiration
 Animals obtain glucose form the blood. In plants, phloem
transport glucose while oxygen enters the leaves through the
stomato.
 Glucose is converted to carbon dioxide and water
Word equation
Glucose → water + Carbon dioxide + Energy
Chemical equation
C6H12O6 → 6H2O + 6CO2 + Energy
Aerobic respiration
 Respiration occurs in the mitochondria present in
cells. During respiration, energy released is used to
build up molecules of ATP (adenosine
triphosphate) from ADP (adenosine diphosphate).
 ATP transfer the energy from glucose to the muscle
cells. When it releases energy, it is converted back
to ADP, ready to be built up into ATP again.
The importance of respiration
The importance of respiration
 Anaerobic respiration
 When there is not enough oxygen available, cell respire
anaerobically. Glucose is not broken down completely and a
only amount of energy is released from the food, lactic acid is
also produced instead of carbon dioxide and water.
 Lactic acid is toxic to cells if it accumulates.

Word equation
Glucose —> Lactic Acid + Energy
The importance of respiration

Activity:
Discuss the relevance of anaerobic respiration
to:
 sports
industries (bakeries/breweries).