Factors Affecting Plant and Animal Respiration

Respiration is a fundamental process in both plants and animals, occurring in the mitochondria of cells. However, there are differences in how plants and animals obtain the necessary components for respiration.

Definition: Respiration is the process by which organisms break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Factors affecting plant and animal respiration include:

1. Source of glucose:

   • Animals obtain glucose from digesting food
   • Plants produce glucose through photosynthesis

2. Source of oxygen:

   • Animals obtain oxygen through lungs or gills
   • Plants get oxygen through stomata or as a byproduct of photosynthesis

Example: The oxygen test involves relighting a glowing splint, demonstrating oxygen production in photosynthesis.

3. Environmental factors:
   • Smoking significantly impacts respiration in humans

Highlight: Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, including tar, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nicotine, leading to serious lung diseases.

The negative effects of smoking on respiration include:

• Carbon monoxide binding to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity
• Increased risk of lung cancer and emphysema
• Reduced exercise capacity due to decreased lung function

Quote: "Smoking while pregnant increases risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth weight."

The respiration equation is: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water (+ Energy)

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O (+ Energy)

Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending the intricate relationship between photosynthesis and respiration in living organisms.

Chemical Equations and Health Impacts

The final section presents detailed chemical equations for both photosynthesis and respiration, while also addressing health impacts of smoking.

Definition: Reactants are the starting materials in a chemical reaction, while products are what is produced.

Highlight: Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke binds to haemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport.

Example: The complete equation for photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

The health impacts of smoking are significant:

• Contains over 4,000 harmful chemicals
• Increases risks during pregnancy
• Reduces exercise capacity
• Causes serious lung diseases