Respiration i. explain the significance of respiration;

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Respiration i. explain the significance of respiration;, the JAMB Biology syllabus expects you to study:

• 4. Respiration a. Respiratory organs and surfaces b. The mechanism of gaseous exchange in: i. Plants ii. Animals c. Aerobic respiration d. Anaerobic respiration

Study notes & guidance

Study Respiration i. explain the significance of respiration; using a recommended Biology textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Biology, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Respiration i. explain the significance of respiration;, you should be able to:

1. Explain the significance of respiration;
2. Describe a simplified outline of the chemical processes involved in glycolysis and Krebs cycle with reference to ATP production
3. Deduce gaseous exchange and products, exchange and production of heat energy during respiration from experimental set up.
4. Describe the following respiratory organs and surfaces with organisms in which they occur; body surface, gill, trachea, lungs, stomata and lenticel.
5. Describe the mechanism for the opening and closing of the stomata
6. Determine respiratory mechanisms in plants and animals.
7. Examine the role of oxygen in the liberation of energy for the activities of the living organisms
8. Explain the effect of insufficient supply of oxygen to the muscles.
9. Use yeast cells and sugar solution to demonstrate the process of fermentation.
10. State the economic importance of yeasts.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Biology syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.