Oxygen is crucial for life because it's essential for cellular energy production. Without it, our bodies couldn't function.
The Vital Role of Oxygen
Oxygen's primary function is in cellular respiration, the process where our cells convert nutrients into usable energy (ATP). This process happens in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. As described in this article, oxygen acts as an electron acceptor in mitochondrial respiration, enabling ATP formation. This energy powers all bodily functions, from muscle movement and digestion to thinking and breathing. As stated by the AMNH, "Oxygen gives our cells the ability to break down food" (https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/ology-cards/213-respiration-and-breathing).
How Oxygen Gets to Our Cells
The process begins with breathing: we inhale oxygen through our nose and mouth into our lungs (https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/ology-cards/213-respiration-and-breathing). Red blood cells, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21691-function-of-red-blood-cells), then transport this oxygen throughout the body. The blood carries the oxygen to the cells, where it's used for energy production. The NHS explains that this oxygen transport is a "vital role of the red blood cells" (https://www.nhs.uk/blooddonation/news-and-campaigns/the-donor/latest-stories/functions-of-blood-transport-around-the-body/). Water also plays a role, acting as the primary component of blood and facilitating nutrient and oxygen delivery to cells (https://www.maine.gov/mdot/challengeme/topics/2020/06Jun/).
Consequences of Oxygen Deprivation
Without adequate oxygen, cellular processes fail. This leads to a decreased production of ATP, resulting in impaired bodily functions. As noted by one source, if oxygen isn't delivered to our organs and tissues, we can't perform basic functions (https://socratic.org/questions/why-is-oxygen-important-to-the-body).
In short, oxygen is the fuel that powers our cells and sustains life.
