How are Respiration & Combustion of Gasoline Similar?

Automobiles and living organisms actually produce energy in similar fashions.
••• Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Many people might not see an obvious link between cellular respiration and the combustion of gasoline. After all, internal combustion involves the ignition of a volatile fluid. However, combustion and respiration are remarkably similar in that in both contexts one fuel source is broken down in a way that releases its energy in a form that is usable.

Combustion: Cellular-Style

Just as an automobile burns gasoline so it can move, living cells burn fuel to provide energy to the body. Instead of burning octane, however, biological organisms do this by oxidizing food, such as sugars, fats and proteins. For example, automobiles burn fuel in this way: octane + oxygen = water + carbon dioxide + energy, while organisms process food like this: sugar + oxygen = carbon dioxide + energy.

Related Articles

Type of Energy Produced by Photosynthesis
What Kind of Energy Makes Muscle Cells Contract?
Similarities Between Combustion & Cellular Respiration
The Most Common Organic Molecules in Cells
When Does Respiration Occur in Plants?
How to Convert Grams of Fuel Per kWh to Gallons Per...
What Do Volvox Eat?
What Are the Functions of Photosynthesis?
What Are Predators, Omnivores and Herbivores?
The Advantages of Anaerobic Respiration
How Do Bacteria Respire?
Why Is Photosynthesis Important to Humans?
What Are the Functions of Carbohydrates in Plants?
Difference Between Protozoans & Algae
How Does the Sun Affect the Food Web?
Is Grass a Producer or Consumer?
Difference Between Triglycerides & Phospholipids
Importance of Aerobic Cellular Respiration
Soil As a Detritus-Based Ecosystem
How to Make Sugar Water for Bees

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!