Chapter – 14

The Respiratory System

I. Answer the following.
1. State one function of each of the following :
(a) Ciliated epithelium lining the respiratory tract – It protects the inner lining of the larynx,
trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
(b) Mitochondria – In mitochondria, pyruvic acid is further broken down step by step in cyclic
manner in presence of oxygen to produced carbon dioxide, water and energy.
(c) Diaphragm – The diaphragm on contraction, it falls of flattens from the dome-shaped outline to
an almost horizontal plane and thus contributes to the enlargement of the chest cavity
lengthwise.
(d) Intercostal muscles – They help in the inward and outward movement of ribs enlarging the
chest cavity all around.
(e) Pleural fluid – It provides lubrication for free movement of the expanding and contracting
lungs.
(f) Abdominal muscles – These muscles help in the increase in size of thoracic cavity by the
movement of diaphragm and therefore the inspiration takes place.

2. Under what conditions would the breathing rate increase?

The breathing rate increases after physical exercise and also accumulation of CO2 in blood.

3. How is the respiratory passage kept free of dust particles?

The respiratory tract is lined with ciliated epithelium to remove the mucus and dust particles from
the respiratory tract.

4. Differentiate between each of the following.

(a) Aerobic and anaerobic respiration (end products of the process)
Aerobic respiration - 6CO2 + 6H20 + 38ATP + Heat Energy
Anaerobic respiration - Lactic acid + 2ATP + Heat Energy

(b) Respiration and photosynthesis (gas released)

Carbon dioxide is released in respiration and oxygen is released in photosynthesis.

(c) Respiration and photosynthesis (reactants)

Photosynthesis – CO2 + H2O in the presence sunlight and chlorophyll
Respiration – C6H12O6 +6O2

(d) Inspired air and alveolar air (CO2 content)

Inspired air – 0.04 % of CO2. Alveolar air – 4 % of CO2

(e) Respiration and breathing (organs involved)

Respiration – Lungs, cells, and tissues
Breathing - Lungs
 BIOLOGY WORK BOOK
1. Define the term “Respiration”. Respiration is the chemical process of breaking down glucose
to release energy for carrying out life process.

2. Choose the correct option :

(a) Respiration can be best defined as : The oxidative breakdown of food in living cells to release
energy.
(b) The oxygen needed by a respiring cell : Enters the cell in the form of oxyhaemoglobin.
(c) Carbon dioxide is mainly transported in the blood : In the form of carboxylhaemoglobin.

3. (a) How does breathing differ from respiration?

Respiration is the chemical process of breaking down glucose to release energy for carrying out
life process. Breathing is a physical process in which the atmospheric air is taken in and forced
out of the lungs.

(b) How does cellular respiration differ from alcoholic fermentation?

In cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized to give CO2, H2O, 38ATP and heat energy but in
alcoholic fermentation, glucose is broken down into ethanol (ethyl alcohol), CO2 and 2ATP.

(c)Write down the chemical equations indicating aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.
enzymes
i) Aerobic respiration : C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H20 + 38ATP + Heat Energy
enzymes
ii) Anaerobic respiration : C6H12O6 Lactic acid + 2ATP + Heat Energy

(d) What is called the “currency of energy”?

ATP is called the “currency of energy”.

4. The figure below represents the respiratory system of man showing the right and the left lungs.
(a) Label the parts to which the guidelines point. Refer Figure 14.3 in text book.
(b) Listed below are some features of the alveolar or respiratory surface of the lungs. State the
reasons, why each feature makes the lungs well suited to gas exchange.

Feature Why is it well suited to gas exchange?

1. Thin For allowing gases to diffuse through them
2. Moist For allowing gases to diffuse through them
3. Large surface area For accommodating 700 million alveoli air sacs
4. Rich blood supply For exchange of gases between the lungs and heart

(C) What role do the following play in breathing?

1. Nasal hairs – The hair present in the nostrils traps and prevent entry of dust particles into the
respiratory system.
2. Larynx – or the voice box contains vocal cords which vibrate to produce sound.
3. Epiglottis – It closes the entrance of the trachea at the time of swallowing food to prevent entry of
food into trachea.
5. State whether the following statements are True or False. If false, then write the correct
statements :
(a) The diffusion of a gas across a membrane takes place from the side of higher partial pressure to the
side of lower partial independent of the partial pressure of other gases. False (dependent)
(b) The exchange of gases between air and alveolar capillaries takes place by active transport. False
(blood)
(c) Expiration takes place due to the contraction of expiratory muscles. False (movement of ribs
and diaphragm)
(d) Most of the oxygen and carbon dioxide get dissolved in the plasma and are carried in solution.
False (as oxyhaemoglobin and carbamino-haemoglobin in combination with the haemoglobin
of RBC’s)
(e) In the multicellular organisms, anaerobic respiration also takes place. True

6. Explain the following terms :

(a) Glycolysis : It is the process of breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid in the cytoplasm.
(b) Krebs cycle : It is the process of breakdown of pyruvic acid to produceCO2, H2Oand energy in the
presence of oxygen in the mitochondria.
(c) Asphyxiation : It is the condition in which the blood becomes venous by accumulation of more of
CO2 and O2 supply is diminished.
(d) Hypoxia : It is the deficiency of O2 reaching the tissues. It may result due to sitting for long hours
in a crowded room with poor ventilation.
(e) Gaseous transport : It is the exchange of gases between the blood and tissues of the body.

7. Different between the inspired air and expired air with reference to amount of oxygen, carbon
dioxide and water vapour.
Inspired air – 21 % of oxygen, 0.04 % of carbon dioxide and low percentage of water vapour.
Expired air -16.4 % of oxygen, 4.0 % of carbon dioxide and high percentage of water vapour.

8. The table below shows the difference between inhaled air and exhaled air. Study the table and
answer the following questions :
(a) Why has the content of oxygen decreased? The content of oxygen has decreased due to the
tissue respiration, oxygen was absorbed by tissue to perform various metabolic activities.

(b) From where has the extra carbon dioxide been added? The extra CO2 was absorbed by
blood in tissues where actual respiration occurred. This CO2 was transported to lungs from where it
passed out along with exhaled air.

(c) From where has the increased amount of water vapour come?
The water vapour was generated due to tissue respiration.

(d) State the reason for almost no change in the percentage of nitrogen. Nitrogen does not
participate in the tissue respiration; therefore there is no change in the percentage.

(e) What part do the pleura play when breathing in? Pleuron protects the lungs.
(f) Explain briefly, how the air is drawn into the lungs. Refer text book.

(g) The number of breaths per minute by a boy during and after a running race is more than the number
of breaths before the race. What is the reason for this change in the breathing rate?
The CO2 content in the blood increases, so the breathing is faster. Therefore, there is change in
the breathing rate.

9. (a) The figure below represents an apparatus which is used to demonstrate the process by
which air goes into and comes out of the lungs in a mammal.
(i) What do the following represents in the diagram?
1. Balloons – Lungs
2. Bell jar – Side wall of the thoracic cavity
3. Rubber sheet – Diaphragm
(i) What will happen to the balloons if the rubber sheet is pulled down?
The air will rush into the balloons and they would inflate.
(ii) What will happen if the rubber sheet is pushed upwards?
The balloons would become smaller showing that due to the lack of pressure, air in the
balloons gets reduced.
(iii) What process in a mammal is represented in the action done in (ii) and (iii) above?
In (ii) – Inspiration and in (iii) - Expiration
(iv) What for do these happen?
These happen for exchange of gases between air and blood in the lungs.

10 (a) The figure below is the diagram of an experiment to show that there is more carbon
dioxide in exhaled air than in inhaled air.
(i) What is the purpose of using lime water? Lime water absorbs CO2 and turns milky.
(i) What changes would you expect to take place in flasks A and B if the air is drawn in and out
through the mouth?
Flask A – Lime water turns milky after a very long time due to atmospheric air
Flask B – Lime water in flask B turns milky faster than in flask A.
(ii) Give reasons for your answer above.
Because the expired air contains more CO2 than inspired air.
(iii) Which clip, C or D, is open in the situation shown in the diagram? Ans – D
(iv) What will happen when the reverse clip is closed and the air is blown in through the central
tube? The lime water in flask A turns milky faster than in flask B.

(b) What part is played by the following during inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing
out)?

Ribs Diaphragm Abdominal muscles

During inhalation Moves upwards Moves downwards Moves outwards
During exhalation Moves downwards Moves upwards Moves inwards
 (c) Describe briefly how oxygen reaches a respiring cell in the leg muscles in man.
The terminal blood vessels i.e. the capillaries deliver oxygen to the respiring cell in the
leg muscles of man where oxygen diffuses through their thin walls and in a similar way the
capillaries pick up the carbon dioxide released by them.

11. Describe one simple experiment to prove that :

(a) The exhaled air is warmer than the inhaled air. Breathe out air on your palm, you can
feel the warmth on your palm.. This proves that exhaled air is warmer.
(b) The exhaled air contains more moisture. Gently breathe upon a cold surface such
as a glass, the water droplets appearing on the surface proves that expired air contain moisture.
12 What harm would be caused if :
(a) One inhales air by mouth instead of through the nose?
Foreign particles and germs enter lungs directly.
(b) One sleeps in a small room with all the windows and doors closed and a furnace with burning
coal is kept to warm the room in winter? Hypoxia is caused.

13. Give suitable explanations for the following :

(a) You cannot normally hold breath for more than one or two minutes. Because the carbon
dioxide content of the blood increases.
(b) You take deeper breaths during and after running. So that the muscles cells get
enough oxygen for respiration.
(c) You can exhale some extra air even after your normal exhalation. Because some air is
always left in the lungs even after forcibly breathing out.
(d) You can inhale some extra air even after your normal inhalation. Because the inspiratory
reserve volume of the lungs is 3000 ml even after our normal inhalation.
(e) One may experience dizziness and unsteady vision if suddenly exposed to a high altitude.
On high altitudes, percentage of O2 becomes low which affects respiration directly that
result in less production of energy in the body.
(f) Your ribcage is capable of expanding during inspiration. The ribcage are moved
upward and outward by the intercoastal muscles stretched between the ribs.
14 (a) Write equations for each of the following :
i) Aerobic respiration in animals.
enzymes
C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H20 + 38ATP + Heat Energy
(i) Anaerobic respiration in plants.

enzymes
C6H12O6 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + 2ATP
(ii) Anaerobic respiration in animals.
enzymes
C6H12O6 Lactic acid + 2ATP + Heat Energy
 (iii) Aerobic respiration in plants.
enzymes
C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H20 + 38ATP

(b) Name the following :

(i)Two muscles which help in breathing :
1. Abdominal muscles 2. Intercostal muscles
(ii) Two layers of pleura :
1. Visceral pleura 2. Parietal pleura
(iii) Two muscular activities of the human beings to produce heat :
1. Shivering 2. Clattering of teeth
(iv) Two classes of warm blooded chordates :
1. Class Mammalia 2. Class Aves

15. (a) Distinguish between respiration and digestion.

Respiration Digestion
1. Energy is released Energy is used up
2. Synthesis of protein forms amino acids Proteins are broken down to produce amino acids
3. Produce enzymes Enzymes are used for digestion
4. Carried out by body cells Carried out by digestive organs of the body

(b) Mention two similarities between the process of digestion and respiration.
(i)Both digestion and respiration are brought about by the enzymes.
(ii) Both digestion and respiration are chemical process.

(c) Why is respiration important for a living organism?

All living organisms require energy to carry out their vital functions and to do work. Respiration
is important since, it is the sole process by which energy is liberated and made available.

(d) What is anaerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration is the respiration which occurs in absence of oxygen.

(e) Why does body require oxygen at rest after a vigorous exercise?
During vigorous exercise, the amount of carbon dioxide in body increases and body needs more
oxygen.

16. State the functions of the following in the respiratory system :

(a) Nose – It warms the air as it passes over. It adds moisture in the air and traps the harmful
particles.
(b) Epiglottis – It closes glottis at the time of swallowing of food to prevent entry of food into
trachea.
(c) Incomplete rings of cartilage in the trachea – They keep the trachea wide open for easy
passage of air.
(d) Ciliated epithelial lining of the respiratory tract – The cilia by its constant movement
removes unwanted foreign particles from respiratory tract.
17. Explain the role of diaphragm and intercostal muscles during inspiration and expiration.
The movement of diaphragm is helpful in breathing process. The intercostal muscles help in the
movement of ribs during breathing process.

18. Fill in the blanks by suitable words :

(a) Energy produced during respiration is converted into ATP.
(b) In the absence of glucose, proteins and fats are broken down to produce energy.
(c) C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H20 + 38 ATP

19 Give two difference between anaerobic respiration in plants and animals :

Anaerobic respiration in Plants Anaerobic respiration in Animals

a) Products of glucose are ethanol and CO2 Product of glucose is lactic acid and no CO2
b) Released heat energy is more Released heat energy is less

20. Give one point of difference between each of the following.

(a) Aerobic and anaerobic respiration (end products of glucose molecules)
Aerobic respiration - 6CO2 + 6H20 + 38ATP + Heat Energy
Anaerobic respiration - Lactic acid + 2ATP + Heat Energy

(b) Tidal volume and residual air (volume of air)

Tidal volume – volume of air is 500 ml. Residual volume – volume of air is 1500 ml

(c) Expiration and inspiration (position of the diaphragm)

During expiration, the diaphragm is released and moves upwards to its dome-like outline.
During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and moves downwards.

21. Match the items in column I with those in column II.

Column I Column II
a. Lungs Production of voice (e)
b. Epiglottis C-shaped rings (g)
c. Air - sacs Closes windpipe during swallowing (b)
d. Nasal chamber Spongy and elastic (a)
e. Larynx Drives mucus (f)
f. Cilia Warm air (d)
g. Trachea Network of capillaries (c)

22. Name the following :

(a) The cell organelle in which oxygen is required for oxidation of food – Mitochondria.
(b) Another name for external respiration – Breathing.
(c) The flap-like cartilaginous structure which closes the aperture leading to the tracheal tube during
swallowing – Epiglottis.
(d) The process by which the exchange of gases in the alveoli and tissues takes place – Diffusion.
(e) The substance which causes muscle fatigue and aches – Lactic acid.