There are two main gases involved in respiration: oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
During inhalation, oxygen enters the respiratory system through the nose or mouth and travels down the trachea. It then reaches the lungs, where it diffuses into the bloodstream through the alveoli, which are small air sacs in the lungs. Oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells and is transported to the body's tissues and cells.
During cellular respiration, oxygen is used by cells to generate energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process occurs in the mitochondria within cells and involves the breakdown of glucose and other nutrients. Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, allowing for the production of ATP.
As cells generate energy through cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product. Carbon dioxide is transported back to the lungs via the bloodstream, where it diffuses into the alveoli and is exhaled during exhalation.
In summary, oxygen is inhaled during respiration and used by cells to produce energy, while carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product and exhaled.
Gases involves in respiration
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