Question

State the utility of oxygen for respiration in living organisms

Answer 1

Respiration in living organisms :

Respiration: It is a process whereby living things

1. Use oxygen from their air to oxidize food substances mainly glucose, in their body cells.
2. Release energy in the form of heat.
3. Carbon dioxide and water vapour are also produced and released in the exhaled air

\[\ce{Glucose + \underset{\text{[in air]}}{Oxygen} -> \underset{\text{Exhaled air}}{Carbon dioxide + Water vapour+ Energy[heat]}}\]

Process:

1. Inhaled air— Oxygen from inhaled air dissolves in the blood stream in the lungs. It is carried to the cells where the food materials i.e. glucose is oxidized by the oxygen.
2. Exhaled air— Carbon dioxide, water vapour, and heat energy diffuse out of the lungs as exhaled air.
3. The energy liberated— The energy liberated is utilized for metabolic activities and maintains body temperature.