Which of the following best describes the difference between respiration and ventilation in biological systems?

• A. Respiration is only found in plants, while ventilation is only found in animals.
• B. Respiration refers to the cellular process of producing ATP from glucose, while ventilation refers to the physical movement of air into and out of the lungs.
• C. Respiration and ventilation are both terms for the exchange of gases at the cellular level.
• D. Respiration is the movement of air in and out of the lungs, while ventilation is the breakdown of glucose to produce ATP.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of respiration and ventilation in biological systems. Respiration refers to the cellular process where glucose is broken down to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This process occurs at the cellular level and involves biochemical reactions such as glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
2. Step 2: Ventilation, on the other hand, refers to the physical movement of air into and out of the lungs. It is a mechanical process that facilitates the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the external environment and the bloodstream.
3. Step 3: Compare the options provided in the question. Eliminate choices that are factually incorrect, such as 'Respiration is only found in plants, while ventilation is only found in animals,' as respiration occurs in both plants and animals.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the remaining options. Note that 'Respiration and ventilation are both terms for the exchange of gases at the cellular level' is incorrect because ventilation is not a cellular process; it is a physical process.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct answer: 'Respiration refers to the cellular process of producing ATP from glucose, while ventilation refers to the physical movement of air into and out of the lungs.' This accurately describes the distinction between the two terms.