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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Respiration and Combustion?

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The main difference between respiration and combustion lies in the fact that respiration is a biochemical process that takes place in living cells to release energy, while combustion is a chemical process that occurs outside living cells or living systems. Here are some key differences between the two processes:

  • Controlled vs. Uncontrolled: Respiration is a controlled biological process, whereas combustion is an uncontrolled process.
  • Energy Release: Energy is released in a stepwise manner with different biochemical reactions during respiration, while energy is released in a single step during combustion.
  • Temperature: Respiration takes place at the body temperature, while combustion takes place at the ignition temperature of the fuel.
  • Energy Storage: Energy is stored in the form of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during respiration, whereas energy is released in the form of heat during combustion.
  • Heat and By-products: Less than half of the energy is liberated as heat during respiration, while energy is released in the form of heat, explosive combustion, and sometimes light and sound during combustion.

In summary, respiration is a controlled, biological process that occurs within living cells and releases energy in a stepwise manner, while combustion is an uncontrolled chemical process that takes place outside living cells and releases energy in a single step, often accompanied by heat, light, and sound.

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  • What is the Difference Between Respiration and Combustion?
  • Comparative Table: Respiration vs Combustion

    • Comparative Table: Respiration vs Combustion

    Here is a table comparing the differences between respiration and combustion:

    Feature Respiration Combustion
    Definition Respiration is a biochemical process that takes place in living cells to release energy. Combustion is a chemical process that occurs outside living cells or living systems.
    Nature of Process Controlled biological process. Uncontrolled process.
    Energy Release Energy is released in a stepwise manner with different biochemical reactions. Energy is released in a single step.
    Energy Form Less than half of the energy is liberated as heat, and energy is stored in the form of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Energy is released in the form of heat, and sometimes explosive combustion can produce heat, light, and sound.
    Temperature Temperature is not allowed to rise beyond control as it can cause damage to the cell. The temperatures can go very high during a combustion process.
    Enzymes Enzymes are required for the process of respiration. Enzymes are not required for combustion as it is a non-cellular process.
    Substrate Oxidation Oxidation occurs at the end of the reaction between oxygen and reduced coenzymes in the electron transport chain during respiration. Substrates are directly oxidized in the combustion process.

    Respiration is a controlled biological process that takes place in living cells, where energy is released in a stepwise manner through biochemical reactions. On the other hand, combustion is an uncontrolled chemical process that occurs outside living cells or living systems, where energy is released in a single step, usually in the form of heat.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.