Oxidation of Food and Respiration


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Oxidation of Food and Respiration

All organisms breathe, a process in which they take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. Respiration involves exchange of gases i.e. breathing and also oxidation of food to release energy.

Oxidation: It means breakdown of food to provide energy with the help of oxygen.

Respiration: It is defined as the process of biochemical oxidation of nutrients in the presence of specific enzymes at optimum temperature in the cells to release energy for metabolic activities. As the process of respiration takes place inside the cells, it is known as cellular respiration or internal respiration. 

Respiration is highly important for life as it provides energy for carrying out all life processes. In this process, carbohydrates and other organic molecules are broken down in successive steps to produce energy, which is used to make a compound called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). Cellular processes get energy from ATP. It is commonly called ‘energy currency’ of the cell.

  • During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water combine with the help of the energy from the sun to form carbohydrates. Energy gets stored in the bonds of the carbohydrates. In respiration, these bonds are broken to release energy and give back carbon dioxide and water. This energy then gets stored in the bonds of ATP. This molecule is oxidized and broken down gradually in two different stages.
  • The first stage is called ‘glycolysis’, which involves anaerobic respiration.
  • The second stage involves aerobic respiration.
  • Both these types of respiration are discussed later in the chapter.
  • Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water combine with the help of the energy from the ___________________  to form carbohydrates.

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 2

    Which of the following are correct ?

    (a) In respiration, the bonds are broken to release energy and give back carbon dioxide and water. This energy then gets stored in the bonds of ATP.

    (b) The first stage of breaking down of ATP molecule is called ‘glycogen’, which involves anaerobic respiration.

    (c) The second stage of breaking down of ATP molecule involves aerobic respiration.

    Right Option : C
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    Question : 3

    Which of the following are correct ?

    (a) The process of respiration takes place inside the cells, it is known as cellular respiration or internal respiration. 

    (b) Respiration is highly important for life as it provides energy for carrying out all life processes.

    (c) In the process of respiration, carbohydrates and other organic molecules are broken down in successive steps to produce energy, which is used to make a compound called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).

     

    Right Option : D
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