Question

Why is the root "spirare" the basis of the term cellular respiration?

Answer 1

Because cellular respiration can be seen as 'breathing' of a cell.

Explanation:

Spirare is Latin for 'to breathe'. Breathing for humans is inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide, this is actually quite similar to what happens at a cellular level.

Cellular respiration is the process in which oxygen and food molecules are converted into chemical energy. In this process carbon dioxide and other waste products are formed.

So the cell takes in oxygen and excretes carbon dioxide, which is very similar to breathing.