Final answer:
The relationship between temperature and the rate of respiration is such that as temperature increases, the rate of respiration generally increases because enzymes work more efficiently, but only up to a point beyond which the enzymes may denature and respiration rates can decrease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between temperature and the rate of respiration is such that as temperature increases, the rate of respiration generally also increases. This is due to the fact that respiration is a series of chemical reactions, and chemical reactions typically proceed faster at higher temperatures. Up to a certain point, the enzymes that facilitate respiratory reactions work more efficiently as the temperature rises, thus increasing the rate at which they can convert substrates into energy and by-products. However, if the temperature gets too high, these enzymes can denature, leading to a decrease in the rate of respiration.
For example, within a reasonable range for biological systems, a 10°C increase in temperature may cause the metabolic rates to double or triple, suggesting a strong relationship with temperature. But it is essential to recognize that the increase in the respiratory rate is beneficial only up to the point where it does not exceed the organism's capacity to supply adequate food (energy) for its increased metabolism. Above optimal temperatures, the energy requirements may exceed the energy produced, and cellular structures can be compromised.