The Differences Between Breathing And Respiration

Raise your hand if you have enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes. It is undeniably the most
celebrated mystery series, which has ever been produced in the history of literature.

Now you may love the high-functioning sociopath and his antics. But, you also can’t deny
that, in reality, there are greater mysteries which are worth exploring.

One such mystery is the process of respiration and breathing.

Often times, students come up to us with questions like “ Is breathing same as Respiration?” “
What is the difference between ventilation and breathing?” “ What is the difference between
gas exchange and respiration?” Or “ What is the difference between Breathing and
Respiration?”
Differences Between Breathing And Respiration: An Overview

Now, imagine you are in the examination hall and you are answering the question,
“state the difference between breathing and respiration.” But, when the papers are
handed out after the exams, you discover that your answer is incorrect. You
realise that you got confused between the two processes. Chances are you may
have already been through such a scenario or want to avoid it. In both cases, you
need to have complete clarity on this topic. So, given below are some brilliant
insights into the difference between respiration and breathing.
 Respiration: Definition And Stages

Respiration is identified as an involuntary, biochemical action, carried out by the

cells of the body. In this process, oxygen and glucose are converted into carbon
dioxide and water. The process helps in generating energy in the form of ATP.

Now, energy is required by the organisms to carry out various tasks, both
physically as well as chemically. This way, it can be used for movement, growth,
repair, and effective monitoring of body temperature, etc. So, simply put, energy
is accumulated by the chemical reaction recognised as respiration. All living
beings like animals and plants cells go through this reaction.
Figure 1: Types of Respiration
The process of respiration is categorised into two sections, aerobic and anaerobic.
In the process of aerobic respiration, oxygen and glucose are needed to generate
more water and carbon dioxide. This reaction occurs in the mitochondria of the
cell.

Anaerobic respiration is required when we indulge in hardcore exercises or

running, or in case there is insufficient oxygen to carry out aerobic respiration. The
energy production tends to be lower than aerobic respiration. Also, it produces
lactic acid, which is responsible for triggering fatigue and pain, which again leads
to muscle cramping.

Microorganisms like Yeast and bacteria go through anaerobic respiration, which is

useful for the fermentation process. These are utilised for making brewers and
wine, while carbon dioxide is used to prepare bakery items.
 Glycolysis and Kreb’s Cycle
The Krebs cycle is named after its inventor Hans Krebs. It is also identified as the
citric acid cycle or the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It represents a series of chemical
reactions needed for cellular respiration. It involves the reactions categorised as
redox, hydration, dehydration, and decarboxylation that produce ATP (adenosine
triphosphate), a coenzyme energy carrier for the cells.

The process of glycolysis is linked to the Krebs cycle, as it splits a six-carbon

glucose molecule into two three-carbon pyruvate molecules. For each glucose
molecule respired, the cycle reactions take place twice as two pyruvic acid
molecules are formed. Glycolysis is recognised as an anaerobic reaction, which
happens in the cytoplasm of the cell. The rest of the reactions in cellular
respiration are aerobic, thus requiring oxygen, and takes place in the mitochondria
of the cell. This is how the process of respiration takes place in the cells.
 Breathing: Definition And Phases
Contrary to respiration, breathing is biophysical, voluntary action carried out by
the body, to inhale and exhale the air through the lungs. This process of
expanding and constricting of the ribcage (chest) involves the muscles present
between the ribs. The diaphragm is one such muscle. The diaphragm is
basically a layer of muscle that is present between the thoracic cavity and the
abdominal cavity.

The diaphragm pulls air into the body of living beings. When it moves
downwards, and oxygen-rich air reaches inside the lungs (at least 20% of
valuable oxygen), the air is transmitted to the cells of the body via the
bloodstream. The process of breathing is also known as ventilation.
The Process Of Breathing Comprises Of Two Phases- Inspiration And Expiration.

• Inspiration (Inhalation)
This is the stage in which the diaphragm, and three intercostal muscles
contract. The diaphragm shifts downwards. The intercostal muscles
let the rib cage move upwards. These two steps raise the volume of
the thoracic cavity. Also, the process lowers the air pressure to below
atmospheric pressure enabling the air to pass through the airways
then enter into the alveoli.
• Expiration (Exhalation)
This system is the opposite of inspiration. When the diaphragm and
intercostal muscles relax, this allows the diaphragm to move
upwards, and the intercostal muscles let the rib cage remain in its
resting state. The volume within the thoracic cavity decreases. This
decrease in volume now triggers a spike in pressure above
atmospheric pressure, which pulls the air out up the airway.
Figure 2: Phases of Breathing
 Difference Between Breath And Breathe
Even though both breathe and breath are associated with the air in our
lungs, but they are used to describe different functions. Breathe refers
to the act of inhaling and exhaling, while breath refers to the full cycle
of breathing.

As per the rules of English Language, the word “breathe” is a verb that
is used to describe the process of inhaling and exhaling in living
organisms. However, the word “breath” is a noun which is used to
refer to a full cycle of breathing. It is also used to refer to the air that is
inhaled or exhaled by living beings.
 What Is The Difference Between Cellular Respiration And
Breathing/Ventilation?

Next slide comprises of a table that shows the difference

between cellular respiration and breathing/ventilation
Basis of Respiration Breathing/Ventilation
comparison
Meaning This is a process in which energy is generated by The system of inhaling the oxygen and
breaking down the glucose. The energy is utilised exhaling the carbon dioxide carried out by
by the cell to perform various work on a cellular the lungs is identified as breathing.
level.
Takes place in Respiration takes place in cells. Breathing happens in the lungs.
Energy As per the process of respiration, the energy is Breathing doesn’t involve the process of
produced released in the form of ATP. energy production.
Kind of Respiration is recognised as an involuntary Breathing is a voluntary biophysical
process biochemical process and involves two stages: process and specifically involves
Glycolysis and Krebs cycle. inspiration and expiration.
Enzymes Many enzymes assume a significant role during The process of breathing does not involve
the process of respiration. enzymes.
Intracellular Respiration takes place within the cells, and hence, Breathing takes place outside the cells, and
/Extracellular it is an intracellular process. thus, it is known as an extracellular process.
Takes place Respiration takes place in the cells of the body of The breathing process takes place through
through an organism, particularly in organelles like respiratory organs like the lungs, nose, etc.
mitochondria, etc.
Now that you have gathered some understanding of what is the difference
between cellular respiration and breathing, let us move on to discuss how both
these processes are related.
 How Is Breathing Directly Related To Cellular
Respiration?
Cellular respiration is directly connected to breathing, as breathing offers the
required oxygen molecules for the process of cellular respiration to occur.
Cellular respiration is a process by which cells accumulate energy. The oxygen
offered by breathing is utilised as a final hydrogen acceptor for the process.

At the time of inhaling, the oxygen necessary for cellular respiration is provided.
While exhaling, the carbon dioxide that is generated by cellular respiration leaves
the body. The relationship between cellular respiration and breathing is crucial
because, without one of the processes, the other cannot take place.
Parting thoughts,

Hope these insights offer complete clarity so that you can confidently
proceed to answer questions on the differences or connection between
the two processes. This means you have less chances of fumbling
during the exams or while preparing academic assignments.
 Learn The Differences Between Breathing And Respiration

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