Respiration

Definition

Respiration refers to the process by which living organisms, including plants, release stored energy from organic compounds to carry out life functions.

Analogy

Think of respiration as breathing. Just like we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide to release stored chemical potential in our bodies, respiration in plants releases energy for their growth and survival.

Related terms

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP): GPP is the total amount of energy captured by plants through photosynthesis before any deductions.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP): NPP is the amount of energy that remains after plants have used some of their captured energy for their own respiration.

Aerobic Respiration: Aerobic respiration is a type of respiration that requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, water, and ATP as byproducts.