Factors Affecting the Rate of Respiration
- Temperature: At a very high temperature, the rate of respiration decreases with time, and at a very low temperature, the respiration rate is insignificant. The optimum temperature for respiration is 20 – 30 oC.
- Carbon dioxide: Higher concentration of carbon dioxide lower the rate of respiration. An increase in carbon dioxide concentration and the absence of oxygen adversely affect the rate of aerobic respiration.
- Water: As the respiring organism’s water content rises, the respiratory rate does as well.
- Light: Light regulates respiration by increasing an organism’s body temperature.
Regulation Of Respiration
Organisms require energy to carry out a variety of tasks. The breakdown of different food ingredients, such as proteins, carbs, lipids, etc., produces this energy. Catabolic activities require oxygen, and the release of carbon dioxide occurs. As a result, the body requires a constant exchange of gases, with carbon dioxide, produced being expelled and oxygen from the atmosphere being taken in. This is called “breathing” or “respiration”.