Which statement about respiration is true?

Which statement about respiration is true?

• A. It occurs only during sleep
• B. It is the process by which the body exchanges gases with the ambient environment.
• C. It does not involve oxygen
• D. It is unrelated to gas exchange

Answer: (B)

Respiration is the process by which the body exchanges gases with the ambient environment. Breathing moves air into and out of the lungs, and at the alveolar level oxygen moves into the blood while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the air to be exhaled. This gas exchange is continuous and essential for cellular energy production. The statement reflects this gas-exchange role with the outside environment, which is why it’s correct. The other ideas are not accurate because respiration occurs throughout the day, it involves oxygen, and it is fundamentally about gas exchange.

Respiration is the process by which the body exchanges gases with the ambient environment. Breathing moves air into and out of the lungs, and at the alveolar level oxygen moves into the blood while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the air to be exhaled. This gas exchange is continuous and essential for cellular energy production. The statement reflects this gas-exchange role with the outside environment, which is why it’s correct. The other ideas are not accurate because respiration occurs throughout the day, it involves oxygen, and it is fundamentally about gas exchange.