Respiration

Respiration occurs in this polar bear and in all other animals too.
Click on image for full size version (80K GIF)
Image courtesy of Corel Photography

Respiration is the name of the general process where organisms convert sugars and oxygen into biochemical energy. The process happens in all organisms, including animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. During respiration, energy is created to fuel the different processes necessary to support life.

In addition to making useful energy, respiration makes carbon dioxide and water as waste products.

The reverse of respiration is known as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, energy from the Sun's rays is used by an autotroph's cell to produce carbohydrates, with oxygen made as a byproduct.

Last modified August 16, 2006 by Jennifer Bergman.
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Respiration

Respiration occurs in this polar bear and in all other animals too. Click on image for full size version (80K GIF) Image courtesy of Corel Photography

Respiration occurs in this polar bear and in all other animals too.
Click on image for full size version (80K GIF)
Image courtesy of Corel Photography