NEETZoologyBreathing and Exchange of Gases
What is the role of oxygen in the respiration process?
Options
- ATo provide energy to cells
- BTo create pressure gradients between the atmosphere and the alveoli
- CTo estimate air volume in inspiration and expiration
- DTo produce carbon dioxide
Correct answer
A. To provide energy to cells
Step-by-step solution
Oxygen provides energy to cells during respiration. As you have read earlier, oxygen (O2) is utilised by the organisms to indirectly break down simple molecules like glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, etc., to derive energy to perform various activities . Carbon dioxide (CO2) which is harmful is also released during the above catabolic reactions. It is, therefore, evident that O2 has to be continuously provided to the cells and CO2 produced by the cells have to be released out . This process of exchange of O2 from