Trusted since 2008
LoginRegister
Study resources on Kenyaplex

Get ready-made curriculum aligned revision materials

Exam papers, notes, holiday assignments and topical questions – all aligned to the Kenyan curriculum.

Browse exam papers
Or go directly to:
Class notes Holiday assignments Topical questions Other resources

What is the difference between gaseous exchange in plants and animals?

What is the difference between gaseous exchange in plants and animals?

Answers

Nathan
Before explain the differences between gaseous exchange in plants and animals one should have at least a clear idea on what respiration is.
Respiration is a chain of chemical reactions that cause the breakdown of glucose (or other respiratory substrate,in absence of glucose) to release energy in the form of ATP.

Now,in animals,after glucose is assimilated in cells,glycolysis occurs in cytoplasm,the final product of which is pyruvate,that is carried over to mitochondria for forming Acetyl CoA,followed by Krebs's cycle and the electron transport system.

Glycolysis,requires a bunch of enzymes,but not oxygen,while Krebs's cycle also needs a bunch of enzymes,in addition to oxygen.

The basic difference between plant and animal respiration would be the procurement of glucose and oxygen (for Krebs's cycle).

Animals obtain their glucose,by breakdown of carbohydrates in diet,while plants photosynthesize their glucose.

Again,animals obtain oxygen by breathing air,while plants release oxygen,as a by-product of photosynthesis.

Note: At times,animals,especially humans have anaerobic respiration occurring in their muscle cells,which forms lactic acid accumulation,also known as “Muscle fatigue”. This type of respiration is absent in plants.

These,are possibly the only differences between plant and animal respiration,from the biochemical point of view.
nathan1 answered the question on June 26, 2018 at 12:35

Answer Attachments

Next: A battery is rated 120 AH. How long will it work if it steadily supplies a current of 4A

Previous: From the following information prepare a cost statement clearly showing the various components of the cost of production (20 Marks) Sh. stock on 1st January 2007 48,000 Raw materials 9,800 work in...

View more Biology Questions and Answers  |  Return to Questions Index

Exams With Marking Schemes

Related Questions