Similarities Between Respiration and Combustion
- Burning of the substrate is a necessary step in both combustion and respiration.
- Both of these procedures involve the oxidation of the material (in presence of oxygen).
- Respiration and Combustion, both of them, release oxygen.
- Oxides of the compound, involved in the reaction, are some byproducts of respiration and combustion.
Difference Between Respiration and Combustion
The oxidation of glucose to release energy or create ATP is the main difference between respiration and combustion, whereas external heat is used to burn a substance in combustion to release energy. Energy is required by living things so that their cells can operate. While some operations in cells occur without the usage of energy, this is not the case for most cellular processes. The process of producing cellular energy, primarily in the form of ATP, is known as cellular respiration. The main energy source in this process is glucose. As glucose molecules are oxidized in the presence of oxygen during respiration, ATP molecules are produced. Energy is also produced by combustion, however, it only results in heat. It needs a supply of outside heat. As a result, combustion and respiration are different from one another.
In order for living cells to make ATP, or chemical energy, glucose molecules must be broken down during respiration. Conversely, combustion refers to the act of burning something to release energy. So, the main distinction between combustion and respiration is this. Although combustion is a non-cellular activity that happens quickly and uncontrollably, respiration is a cellular function that happens slowly and under control.
Also Read: Cell
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