r-e-s-p-i-r-a-t-i-o-n
RESPIRATION is the biological process of exchanging gases, specifically taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, essential for cellular energy production.
13
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
RESPIRATION is the fundamental biological process by which living organisms exchange gases with their environment, typically involving the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide. This process occurs at two levels: cellular respiration (internal) and breathing (external respiration). At the cellular level, respiration is the metabolic process that converts nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. This involves breaking down glucose and other organic molecules in the presence of oxygen.Types of respiration:
The word respiration comes from the Latin respiratio, from respirare meaning "to breathe again" or "breathe back." This combines re- (again) + spirare (to breathe), related to spiritus (breath, spirit). The term entered English in the 15th century, initially referring only to the act of breathing. The understanding of cellular respiration developed much later, in the 19th century, when scientists discovered the connection between breathing and cellular energy production. The link between respiration and combustion was established by Antoine Lavoisier in the 1770s, revolutionizing our understanding of metabolism.
•Cellular respiration produces about 38 ATP molecules from one glucose molecule under ideal conditions
•Some organisms like certain bacteria can switch between aerobic and anaerobic respiration depending on oxygen availability
•The average human takes about 22,000 breaths per day, processing roughly 11,000 liters of air
•Plants also respire, consuming oxygen and releasing CO₂, though photosynthesis usually produces more oxygen than they use
"The doctor monitored the patient's respiration rate to ensure adequate oxygen exchange."
"During intense exercise, cellular respiration increases dramatically to meet energy demands."
Total base points: 13 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 6
Words with similar meaning
Breathing
The physical act of inhaling and exhaling
Ventilation
Medical term for breathing process
Gas exchange
Scientific term for oxygen/CO₂ transfer
Inhalation/Exhalation
The two phases of breathing
Metabolism
Related cellular energy processes
Associated biological concepts
Photosynthesis
Opposite process in plants producing oxygen
Oxidation
Chemical process of combining with oxygen
ATP synthesis
Energy production in cells
Glycolysis
First step of cellular respiration
Krebs cycle
Central metabolic pathway
Verb Form
respire
The cells respire continuously to produce energy.
Adjective Form
respiratory
She suffered from respiratory problems.
Related Terms
Number of breaths per minute
Life-saving breathing assistance
Inadequate breathing depth
Difficult or strained breathing
If you can't play RESPIRATION, consider these subwords:
Respiration rate is one of the vital signs monitored in medical settings. Normal respiratory rate for adults is 12-20 breaths per minute. Changes in respiration can indicate various conditions including anxiety, fever, lung disease, or metabolic disorders.
Cellular respiration is a fundamental topic in biology courses. Students learn about the three main stages: glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain. Understanding respiration is crucial for comprehending how organisms convert food into usable energy.
Respiration plays a vital role in the carbon cycle. All organisms release CO₂ through respiration, contributing to atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This process is balanced by photosynthesis in plants, creating a crucial ecological equilibrium.
Athletes' respiratory efficiency is a key performance indicator. VO₂ max, the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise, is directly related to respiratory and cardiovascular fitness. Training can improve respiratory efficiency and endurance.
Respiration vs. Breathing
Breathing is just one part of respiration
Respiration vs. Photosynthesis
Opposite processes: respiration uses O₂, photosynthesis produces it
All organisms respire
Even plants respire, not just animals
Fermentation is not respiration
Fermentation is anaerobic but different from anaerobic respiration
RESPIRATORY
Relating to breathing
PERSPIRATION
Process of sweating
INSPIRATION
Act of breathing in
EXPIRATION
Act of breathing out
ASPIRATION
Drawing in by suction
TRANSPIRATION
Water movement in plants
Other valuable long words ending in -TION in Scrabble
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