The upcoming discussion will update you about the differences between burning (Combustion) and respiration.
Burning (Combustion):
1. It is a physicochemical process, (i.e. a non-cellular process).
2. During burning, many chemical bonds break down simultaneously releasing a large amount of energy at a time.
3. There is considerable rise in temperature.
4. Almost entire energy is liberated as heat.
5. Enzymes are not involved in burning (i.e. a non-enzymatic process).
6. Light is often emitted.
7. No intermediates are formed.
Respiration:
1. It is a biochemical process, occurring inside cells.
2. During respiration, chemical bonds break one after another, releasing energy gradually and in a controlled manner.
3. Temperature remains low during respiration.
4. Almost entire energy in entrapped in the phosphate bonds of ATP.
5. Each step of respiration is catalyzed by an enzyme (i.e. an enzymatic process).
6. It does not emit light.
7. Many intermediates are formed, some of which are used in synthesis of certain organic compounds.