Question

Respiration is a process where many chemical bonds inside the body break and release energy. This energy is used to perform various activities such as moving muscles. Explain the energy transformation in this process.

Answer 1

Cellular respiration transforms the chemical potential energy in glucose into ATP, the energy currency of cells, which is used for various biological processes. Oxygen is used to oxidize glucose, resulting in the production of water, carbon dioxide, and ATP. Excess energy is released as heat, aiding in the maintenance of body temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

During cellular respiration, the body converts the biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell. This metabolic process begins with the oxidation of organic molecules like glucose. The oxygen required for this reaction is obtained through respiration facilitated by the respiratory system. As glucose is broken down, energy is released and used to form ATP. The equation representing this process is C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy. Water and carbon dioxide are byproducts of this reaction.

The energy released in the form of ATP is then available for cellular work, such as muscle contraction, active transport across cell membranes, and other vital biological processes. The transformation of energy goes from chemical potential energy stored in glucose to a form directly usable by cells (ATP). Some of the energy from this process is also released as heat, contributing to body temperature regulation.

Answer 2

Respiration refers to the sets of biochemical reactions involved in the formation of ATP from glucose or food.

In this process, the chemical energy of glucose is first harnessed and converted into the ATP.

The ATP is then hydrolyzed at the site where energy is required, for example, the muscle site.

ATP hydrolysis releases the energy which is used by the muscles to perform mechanical work.

Thus, the chemical energy is transformed into mechanical energy.