What is the difference between respiration and breathing?

Respiration is the biochemical breakdown of glucose in the cell to prouce energy in a usable form of ATP (the body's energy currency). Respiration can be in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) or without oxygen (anaerobic), although there is the exception of cancer cells which preferentially choose to perform aerobic glycolysis and recycle lactate in the Cori cycle to provide their energy for proliferation. 

Breathing (some may say ventilation) is the mechanical process whereby the rise and fal of the chest and difference in atmospheric and internal body pressures causes the lungs to fill with air. Gaseous exchange then occurs at the surface of the alveoli to oxygenate the blood. 

OW
Answered by Ollie W. Biology tutor

10611 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the 4 stages of aerobic respiration?


How can one remember the function and the anatomy of the cardiac valves?


What is protein synthesis and how does it work?


Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are dangerous diseases that can be fatal to children. The MMR vaccine is given to children at a young age to produce antibodies against these diseases. Describe how giving the vaccine leads to the production of antibodies.


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