Oxygen is a crucial element for respiration in most life forms, especially aerobic organisms (those that require oxygen to survive). During cellular respiration, oxygen is used to help break down glucose and other food molecules in cells, releasing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
In this process:
- Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, a key step in aerobic respiration.
- Without oxygen, the chain would stop, and cells wouldn’t be able to produce sufficient energy to sustain life.
Oxygen is absorbed into the body through the respiratory system and transported by hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is not only vital for energy production but also for metabolism, detoxification, and immune function.
Its role in respiration is why oxygen is considered essential for survival in most complex organisms, including humans.