Importance of Respiration in Organisms

Respiration is a vital process that occurs in all living organisms. It involves the exchange of gases, specifically the intake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide. This process is crucial for the survival and proper functioning of organisms.

Liberation of CO2
One of the key functions of respiration is the liberation of carbon dioxide (CO2). During respiration, organisms break down organic molecules such as glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This breakdown process, known as cellular respiration, occurs in the mitochondria of cells. As a result, carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product and is released into the surrounding environment. The liberation of CO2 helps maintain the balance of gases in the atmosphere and prevents the accumulation of this waste product in organisms.

Liberation of Energy
Respiration is also important for the liberation of energy. The breakdown of organic molecules, such as glucose, during cellular respiration releases energy in the form of ATP. ATP serves as the primary energy currency of cells and is required for various cellular processes, including growth, movement, and reproduction. Without the energy produced through respiration, organisms would not be able to carry out essential functions required for their survival.

Importance for Plants
While the options provided in the question state that respiration provides oxygen to plants, this is not entirely accurate. Plants actually undergo a process called photosynthesis to produce oxygen. However, respiration is still important for plants as it allows them to break down glucose and produce energy. This energy is needed for various plant processes, such as nutrient uptake, growth, and reproduction. Additionally, plants also undergo a process called cellular respiration, similar to animals, to produce ATP and release CO2.

In conclusion, respiration plays a crucial role in organisms by liberating CO2, which helps maintain the balance of gases in the atmosphere, and by liberating energy in the form of ATP. While plants do not directly rely on respiration for oxygen production, it is still essential for their energy requirements.