RESPIRATION Meaning and
Definition
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Respiration refers to the biological process in which organisms, specifically known as aerobes, take in oxygen from the environment and release carbon dioxide. It is a vital process that occurs in plants, animals, and microorganisms, as it enables the conversion of energy stored in nutrients into a usable form known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
In the case of humans and most animals, respiration consists of two distinct stages: cellular respiration and external respiration. Cellular respiration occurs within the cells of the organism and involves complex biochemical reactions that consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP. External respiration, on the other hand, refers to the exchange of gases between the organism and its environment, usually through the lungs or gills.
In plants, respiration predominantly takes place through tiny openings called stomata, present on the surface of leaves. These stomata allow the exchange of gases, with oxygen being absorbed and carbon dioxide being released during respiration. However, unlike animals, plants also perform photosynthesis, a process that uses light energy to produce glucose and oxygen. Thus, respiration in plants serves to break down the glucose produced during photosynthesis to release energy for various cellular activities.
Respiration is a fundamental process for sustaining life, as it provides the necessary energy for essential activities such as growth, movement, reproduction, and maintenance of homeostasis.
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1. A function common to all living plants or animals, consisting in the taking in of oxygen and the throwing off the products of oxidation in the tissues, mainly carbon dioxide and water 2. The sound of the air moving in the bronchi and lungs heard on auscultation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The act of breathing; relief from toil.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of RESPIRATION
The word "respiration" is derived from the Latin word "respirare", which means "to breathe". The Latin term is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and "spirare", meaning "to breathe" or "to blow". Therefore, "respiration" refers to the process of taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide through breathing, often also encompassing the entire process of cellular respiration within the body.
Similar spelling words for RESPIRATION
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