What happens if an animal cannot get sufficient oxygen?

Question

Responses

The animal can no longer break down water molecules for energy.
The animal can no longer break down water molecules for energy.

The animal runs out of protein molecules to break down for energy.
The animal runs out of protein molecules to break down for energy.

The animal runs out of sugar molecules to break down for energy.
The animal runs out of sugar molecules to break down for energy.

The animal can no longer break down sugar molecules for energy.

Answer 1

If an animal cannot get sufficient oxygen, the primary consequence is that it cannot effectively carry out aerobic respiration, which relies on oxygen to break down glucose (sugar molecules) for energy. This means that:

• The animal can no longer break down sugar molecules for energy.

Without adequate oxygen, the animal may have to rely on anaerobic respiration, which is less efficient and produces fewer energy molecules. In some cases, anaerobic respiration can result in the buildup of lactic acid or ethanol, depending on the type of organism. Prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to serious health issues and ultimately result in the death of the animal if the condition is not resolved.