oxygen metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving diatomic oxygen (O2). [GOC:mah]

Oxygen metabolic process is a fundamental biological process that encompasses all the chemical reactions in living organisms that involve the utilization and production of molecular oxygen (O2). It plays a vital role in energy production, cellular respiration, and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

This process can be broadly categorized into two main components:

**1. Oxygen Consumption (Respiration):** This involves the uptake of oxygen by cells and its utilization in the process of aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration is the primary mechanism by which organisms generate energy (ATP) from the breakdown of glucose and other organic molecules.

a. Electron Transport Chain: Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, a series of protein complexes embedded in the mitochondrial membrane. Electrons are passed from one complex to another, releasing energy that is used to pump protons across the membrane, creating a proton gradient.

b. Oxidative Phosphorylation: The proton gradient drives the movement of protons back across the membrane through a protein complex called ATP synthase. This movement of protons powers the production of ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, which is the main energy currency of cells.

**2. Oxygen Production (Photosynthesis):** This is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct.

a. Light-Dependent Reactions: Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments in the chloroplast, leading to the production of ATP and reducing power in the form of NADPH.

b. Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle): ATP and NADPH are used to fix carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic molecules, primarily glucose. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of this process.

**Overall Significance:**

Oxygen metabolic process is essential for the survival of most organisms. It allows for the efficient extraction of energy from food sources, enabling growth, movement, and other vital functions. Oxygen also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy cellular environment by removing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.

**Note:** There are also organisms that do not require oxygen for survival (anaerobic organisms), but oxygen metabolic process is the dominant energy production pathway for most life on Earth.'
"

Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)