Chapter 10 – Respiration in organisms

These NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 10 notes explain how living organisms obtain energy from food through respiration. The chapter helps students understand that respiration is essential for survival and takes place in all living beings.

Respiration in Organisms clearly explains the difference between breathing and respiration, types of respiration, and the process of breathing in humans. It also covers respiration in animals, plants, and microorganisms.

Preparing for UPSC or BPSC? Strengthen your basics with our complete NCERT Book Notes PDF for Class 6–8, available inside the free foundation course.

👉 Access Complete NCERT Book Notes PDF

1. Introduction: why respiration is essential

•  All living organisms need energy to survive.
•  Energy is obtained by breaking down food.
•  This energy-releasing process is called respiration.
•  Respiration converts food into usable energy for life.

2. What is respiration

•  Respiration is the process of releasing energy from food.
•  It involves breaking down glucose.
•  Respiration may occur with oxygen or without oxygen.

3. Breathing vs respiration

•  Breathing is a physical process of inhaling and exhaling air.
•  Respiration is a chemical process that occurs inside cells.
•  Breathing occurs in lungs, while respiration occurs in cells.
•  Breathing releases no energy, but respiration releases energy.

4. Types of respiration

•  Aerobic respiration occurs in presence of oxygen and releases more energy.
•  It produces carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
•  Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and releases less energy.
•  Yeast and human muscles during heavy exercise show anaerobic respiration.

5. Human respiratory system

•  The nose allows air to enter the body.
•  The trachea (windpipe) carries air to lungs.
•  Lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
•  The diaphragm helps in breathing movements.

6. Breathing mechanism in humans

•  During inhalation, the diaphragm moves down, chest expands, and air enters lungs.
•  During exhalation, the diaphragm moves up, chest contracts, and air goes out.

7. Respiration in other animals

•  Fish breathe through gills, which absorb oxygen from water.
•  Earthworms breathe through their moist skin.
•  Insects breathe through small openings called spiracles.

8. Respiration in plants

•  Plants respire through stomata, lenticels, and roots.
•  Plants respire during day and night.

9. Faster breathing during exercise

•  Muscles need more energy during exercise.
•  More oxygen is required to release energy.
•  Faster breathing supplies extra oxygen.

10. Respiration in microorganisms

•  Yeast shows anaerobic respiration.
•  It produces alcohol and carbon dioxide.

11. Importance of respiration

•  Respiration provides energy for life processes.
•  It helps in growth and repair of the body.
•  It maintains normal body functions.

12. Important keywords with simple definitions

•  Respiration – process of releasing energy from food.
•  Breathing – inhaling and exhaling of air.
•  Aerobic respiration – respiration using oxygen.
•  Anaerobic respiration – respiration without oxygen.
•  Diaphragm – muscle that helps in breathing.
•  Gills – breathing organs of fish.
•  Spiracles – small breathing openings in insects.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 10 – Respiration in Organisms is important to learn how energy is released from food inside the body. The chapter explains respiration in a simple way using examples from daily life.

These concepts are very important for school examinations and foundation-level science preparation. Students should next read Chapter 11: Transportation in Animals and Plants to understand how materials are carried inside living organisms.

FAQs

Q1. What is explained in NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 10?
The chapter explains respiration, breathing, and how energy is released from food.

Q2. What is the difference between breathing and respiration?
Breathing is a physical process, while respiration is a chemical process that releases energy.

Q3. What are the types of respiration?
The two types are aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.

Q4. How do fish respire?
Fish respire through gills that absorb oxygen dissolved in water.

Q5. Why is NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 10 important for exams?
It explains basic life processes like respiration, which are commonly asked in school and foundation-level exams.

---