Question

Which gas present in the air is essential for aerobic respiration? What is the role of oxygen during respiration?

Answer 1

Aerobic respiration

1. Aerobic respiration is the breakdown of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids to produce ATP with the help of oxygen.
2. Oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration to take place.
3. Aerobic respiration is common in plants and higher animals including humans.

Role of oxygen in respiration:

1. Oxygen is an important component in cellular respiration.
2. In cellular respiration glucose and oxygen is utilized to produce energy in the form of ATP which is required for cellular metabolism.
3. Oxygen acts as an electron acceptor in the electron transport chain and helps in ATP synthesis.
4. Oxygen combines with protons to form a water molecule.