Question

Respiration is a :

• A. Biochemical reaction
• B. Electro Chemical reaction
• C. Physical action
• D. None of these

Hint:

Respiration is a fundamental biological process involving the chemical breakdown of food to release energy. Any chemical reaction occurring within a living system and mediated by biological molecules (like enzymes) is termed a biochemical reaction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Define Respiration.
Respiration, in biology, refers to the metabolic process by which living organisms obtain energy (ATP) by oxidizing nutrients and releasing waste products. This process involves a series of complex chemical reactions occurring within cells. Step 2: Characterize the nature of these reactions.
Biochemical reaction: These are chemical reactions that occur within living organisms, catalyzed by enzymes. Respiration fits this description perfectly as it involves the breakdown of glucose (or other organic molecules) through a series of enzyme-catalyzed steps to release energy.
Electrochemical reaction: These involve the transfer of electrons and are related to electricity generation (like in batteries) or electrolysis. While cellular respiration involves electron transport (e.g., in the electron transport chain), the overall process is broadly classified as a biochemical reaction due to its complexity and occurrence within biological systems. It's not primarily an electrochemical reaction in the sense of a battery.
Physical action: A physical action involves movement or mechanical changes without altering the chemical composition of substances (e.g., breathing, walking). Respiration, while involving physical acts like breathing (external respiration), fundamentally involves chemical changes at the cellular level. Step 3: Conclude the most accurate classification. Given that respiration involves a complex series of enzyme-catalyzed chemical transformations of organic molecules within living cells to produce energy, it is most accurately classified as a biochemical reaction. $$(1) Biochemical reaction$$