Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Turtles are reptiles that breathe air through lungs, but some aquatic species can stay submerged for a long time.
Step 2: Extra respiratory route
They have thin-walled, highly vascular sacs called bursae that open into the cloaca. Water is pumped in and out and dissolved oxygen diffuses into the blood. This is cloacal respiration.
Step 3: Other options
Internal gills and spiracles occur in fishes and insects, and plasma membrane respiration is seen at the cell level.
Final Answer:
Underwater turtles respire with the help of the cloaca.
\[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{cloaca}} \]