Chapter 14-Respiration in Plants

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 14 – Respiration in Plants

Students searching for NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 14 Respiration in Plants can find complete, accurate, and easy-to-follow answers at Myclass24. This chapter is extremely important for both board exams and NEET, as it deals with how plants break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP. The chapter explains both aerobic and anaerobic respiration, the biochemical pathways involved, and the energy calculations. Must check the CBSE resources and NCERT Solutions. 

Myclass24 has prepared these solutions keeping in mind the difficulty level of questions asked in board exams across different states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The explanations are clear and supported with diagrams wherever needed. Whether you are revising for your school exams or building your foundation for competitive exams, these NCERT solutions will give you the edge you need. Respiration in Plants is a chapter that requires both conceptual clarity and the ability to write precise answers, and Myclass24 solutions are crafted to help you achieve exactly that.

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 14 PDF – Respiration in Plants

Get the free PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 14 Respiration in Plants from Myclass24. The PDF contains step-by-step answers to all NCERT questions, clear diagrams of glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, and revision notes. Ideal for offline study and quick revision before exams.

Respiration in Plants – Chapter Overview, Key Facts & Concepts

Respiration in Plants is the process by which plants oxidise organic compounds, primarily glucose, to release energy stored as ATP. Unlike photosynthesis, respiration occurs in all living cells at all times. This chapter covers two major types of respiration: Aerobic (in the presence of oxygen) and Anaerobic (without oxygen), along with the detailed biochemical pathways.

Glycolysis is the first step of respiration and occurs in the cytoplasm. It is common to both aerobic and anaerobic pathways. During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose (6-carbon) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate (3-carbon), producing a net gain of 2 ATP and 2 NADH. Check out NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology and NCERT Solutions for Class 11 for the rest of the chapters.

In aerobic respiration, pyruvate enters the mitochondrial matrix, where it is converted to Acetyl-CoA by pyruvate dehydrogenase. Acetyl-CoA then enters the Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle), where it is completely oxidised to CO2. The reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2 generated in these steps enter the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) located on the inner mitochondrial membrane.

The Electron Transport Chain passes electrons through a series of protein complexes, ultimately transferring them to oxygen, forming water. The energy released is used to pump protons across the membrane, and the resulting proton gradient drives ATP synthase to produce ATP. This process is called Oxidative Phosphorylation or Chemiosmosis.

ATP Yield from One Molecule of Glucose (Aerobic Respiration)

Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration

In plants, anaerobic respiration commonly produces ethanol and CO2. This is seen in waterlogged roots and germinating seeds. The Respiratory Quotient (RQ) is the ratio of CO2 produced to O2 consumed. For carbohydrates, RQ = 1; for fats, RQ < 1; for organic acids, RQ > 1. RQ is used to identify the substrate being respired.

The Krebs Cycle produces 3 NADH, 1 FADH2, 1 GTP (equivalent to ATP), and 2 CO2 per turn. Since two molecules of pyruvate are produced per glucose, the cycle turns twice per glucose molecule. This chapter also introduces the concept of amphibolic pathways, where the same metabolic route serves both catabolic and anabolic functions, making it essential for overall plant metabolism.