BREATHING: It is a physical change. enzymes are not required. It is the process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.


RESPIRATION: It is a chemical change. Enzymes are required. It is the process of breakdown of food in the cells.

Breathing vs Respiration:

Breathing and respiration are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings and functions in the human body.

1. Breathing:
Breathing, also known as ventilation, is the process of inhaling oxygen-rich air into the lungs and exhaling carbon dioxide-rich air out of the lungs. It primarily involves the movement of air in and out of the respiratory system. Breathing is an involuntary action controlled by the respiratory centers in the brainstem, which regulate the rate and depth of breathing based on the body's needs.

Key points about breathing:
- Breathing is a mechanical process that involves the movement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to create changes in lung volume and pressure.
- It is primarily focused on the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the lungs and the external environment.
- Breathing is essential for maintaining the body's oxygen supply and removing waste gases.
- It is an automatic process that continues even during sleep or unconsciousness.

2. Respiration:
Respiration, on the other hand, refers to the biochemical process that occurs within cells to produce energy. It involves the exchange of gases at the cellular level, where oxygen is used to generate energy (in the form of ATP) through cellular respiration, and carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product.

Key points about respiration:
- Respiration occurs in all living cells, not just in the respiratory system.
- It involves a series of chemical reactions that take place in the mitochondria of cells.
- The main purpose of respiration is to produce ATP, the energy currency of the body.
- Respiration can occur with or without the presence of oxygen, depending on the type of respiration being performed (aerobic or anaerobic).

Relationship between breathing and respiration:
While breathing and respiration are distinct processes, they are closely linked and dependent on each other. The exchange of gases that occurs during breathing provides the oxygen necessary for cellular respiration and removes the waste product, carbon dioxide, from the body.

In summary, breathing is the mechanical process of inhaling and exhaling air, while respiration is the biochemical process that occurs within cells to produce energy. Both processes are vital for the overall functioning of the human body and are closely interconnected.