Question

what is the role of oxygen in aerobic metabolism?

(Please give the answer in your own words) rather using the answers already given on chegg.

At least a few sentences.

Answer 1

Aerobic respiration is the process of producing cellular energy by the use of oxygen and therefore the role of oxygen is important in production of energy molecules which is ATP ( Adenosine triphosphate) .

Oxygen acts as a final electron acceptor which produces ATP. Aerobic respiration involves three steps and the role of oxygen is in the final step of aerobic respiration.

GLYCOLYSIS : It is the first step wherein there is initial oxidation and degradation of glucose into pyruvate with byproducts such as ATP, FADH2, NADH)

KREBS CYCLE : Oxidation of Pyruvate from glycolysis step into carbon dioxide with products , ATP, FADH2, NADH occurs.

ELECTRON TRANSPORT CHAIN : This is the final step of aerobic respiration where oxygen acts as an electron acceptor and  NADH and FADH2 produced during glycolysis and Krebs cycle is oxidised producing lots of ATP molecule thus releasing energy.

This was the role of oxygen in aerobic respiration.

Thank you.