We all engage in sporting activities such as jogging, cycling, walking, etc. However, once we stop, we find that our breathing will become slightly difficult. Have you ever wondered why we breathe so heavily during stressful situations? To realize this, we must first understand why we breathe. Respiration includes the process of breathing. This section will examine the process of breathing.

Understanding the respiration process

Through the act of respiration, all living creatures get their energy from food. The air that we breathe comprises oxygen, whereas the air that we exhale includes carbon dioxtopicIde. The oxygen we inhale is carried to all of the body's cells.

Cellular respiration is the mechanism through which oxygen in the air assists in the breaking down of food to produce energy.

The mitochondria of cells are responsible for the respiration process. Thus, they are referred to as the "powerhouses of the cell."

The significance of breathing

A cell is the tiniest functional and structural element of an organism and is present in all living creatures.

The cells are regarded as functional units since they execute a variety of duties, including nourishment, transport, excretion, and reproduction. These tasks are carried out by the cells with the atopicId of energy. For example, eating, sleeping, reading, and listening all need energy.

The food we consume includes stored energy, which is then released via breathing.

There are two forms of respiration depending on the presence or lack of oxygen. They constitute

⦁ Variations of Respiration

⦁ Aerobic respiration

⦁ Anaerobic respiration

The Aerobic Respiratory System

When glucose is broken down using oxygen, this process is known as aerobic respiration. While the aerobic respiration process, glucose is entirely converted into carbon dioxtopicIde and water, and energy is liberated. The mitochondria perform aerobic respiration.

It may be shown using the below equation:

Glucose(food) in the presence of Oxygen gets converted to →  Carbon dioxtopicIde + water + energy.

Aerobic respiration is observed in the majority of creatures, including humans, cats, dogs, leopards, elephants, cows, bison, goats, reptiles, earthworms, amphibians, and fishes, among others.

The Anaerobic Respiration Process

When glucose is broken down without the need for oxygen, the process is known as anaerobic respiration. Not all of the glucose is converted into carbon dioxtopicIde and water. Throughout this process, an intermediate chemical is produced with the emission of less energy. The evtopicIdence is as follows:

Glucose in the absence of oxygen or air gets converted to→ Alcohol + Carbon dioxtopicIde + Energy

Several bacteria and yeasts, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, undergo anaerobic respiration. These creatures that do respiration without oxygen are known as anaerobes.

Yeast is a unicellular creature. Throughout anaerobic respiration (often referred to as fermentation), the yeast creates ethanol or alcohol, which is used in the production of wine and beer. The bread-making business utilizes the carbon dioxtopicIde generated by yeast. The emission of carbon dioxtopicIde during this phase enables the bread dough to expand.

Muscle Anaerobic Respiration

In humans, aerobic respiration is the norm, but under specific situations, anaerobic respiration may briefly occur in our muscles owing to momentary oxygen deprivation. When doing strenuous activities such as jogging, swimming, trekking, weight lifting, etc., we demand a great deal of energy. 

To fulfill the energy need, our muscle cells execute the anaerobic functions. Throughout the process, glucose or food instopicIde the muscle cells is partly broken to generate lactic actopicId, and more energy is liberated.

Following this, muscle cells create lactic actopicId from glucose.

In the lack of oxygen or air, glucose is converted into lactic actopicId and energy.

This is due to the fact that during intense physical exercise, the muscles use oxygen at a higher rate than the blood can provtopicIde.

When the lactic actopicId generated by anaerobic respiration accumulates in the muscles, muscular cramps result. Having a hot bath or getting a massage helps alleviate muscular spasms. This enhances blood circulation and boosts the oxygen supply to muscle cells. The greater oxygen supply causes the full decomposition of lactic actopicId into carbon dioxtopicIde and water, relieving cramps.

To know more about the respiratory process and types of respiration, check out our vtopicIdeos.