What is the difference between breathing and respiration?

Breathing is the physical process where you inhale and exhale air in and out of your lungs. Inhaling brings in air containing Oxygen, which is absorbed and exchanged for Carbon Dioxide. The Carbon Dioxide, now in the air inside your lungs, is expelled when you exhale. The Oxygen is carried in your blood to the cells around your body where respiration takes place. Respiration is a chemical reaction where Oxygen is used to breakdown Glucose in order to generate energy which is then used by the cell to function.

PH
Answered by Portia H. Biology tutor

220976 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is a reflex action?


Explain the principle of the surface area to volume ratio and how it applies to gas diffusion in different organisms.


What is the difference between active transport and diffusion.


Explain how blood is pumped around the body


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning