7 Questions
Match the following processes with their primary energy currency:
Cellular Respiration = ATP Photosynthesis = Glucose
Match the following statements with the correct process:
Water is broken down to produce oxygen = Photosynthesis Oxygen is consumed as the electron acceptor = Cellular Respiration
Match the following terms with their role in maintaining organism-level functions:
Sense of Smell = Secondary role of oxygen Acid-Base Balance = Secondary role of carbon dioxide
Match the following terms with their primary roles:
Olfaction = Sense of smell Carbon dioxide inhalation intoxication = False sensation of odor Acid-base balance = Maintaining proper functioning of cells and tissues Respiratory acidosis = Increase in CO₂ levels
Match the following components with their functions in the acid-base balance:
Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) = Formation in the presence of water and carbonic anhydrase Bicarbonate ions (HCO⁻₃) = Contributing to maintaining body's pH levels Protons (H⁺) = Resulting from dissociation of carbonic acid Respiratory alkalosis = Decrease in CO₂ levels
Match the following consequences with their respective imbalance in acid-base levels:
Acidosis = Increased CO₂ levels Alkalosis = Decreased CO₂ levels Hypocapnia = Phenomenon related to carbon dioxide inhalation intoxication Severe consequences for health = Result of imbalance in acid-base levels
Match the following roles with their importance for cellular processes:
Oxygen and CO₂ = Essential for cellular respiration and photosynthesis Olfactory receptors = Creating a false sensation of odor Bicarbonate ions = Maintaining body's pH levels Metabolism interactions = Implications for health and well-being
Study Notes
Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Metabolism: The Primary Roles
Life's most fundamental processes, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis, generate oxygen (O₂) and consume carbon dioxide (CO₂). The primary role of oxygen from metabolism is to facilitate the breaking of chemical bonds in cellular respiration, a process that releases energy in the form of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. In contrast, CO₂ is the waste product of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, as organisms break down food molecules to obtain energy and build new organic compounds.
Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is a series of metabolic reactions that release energy from organic molecules, particularly glucose, to produce ATP. During this process, oxygen is consumed as the electron acceptor, and CO₂ is a byproduct generated as a result of the oxidation of organic compounds.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, storing it in the form of glucose. In this process, water is broken down to produce oxygen as a byproduct. CO₂ is consumed as the carbon source for building new organic molecules.
Sense of Smell and Acid-Base Balance: The Secondary Roles
While the primary roles of oxygen and CO₂ pertain to the fundamental processes of metabolism, their secondary roles are also essential in maintaining organism-level functions.
Smell Sense
Smelling, or olfaction, is the sense that allows humans and other animals to detect and perceive scents. The olfactory system, located in the nasal cavity, consists of specialized cells that interact with odorant molecules. CO₂ can interact with olfactory receptors to create a false sensation of odor, a phenomenon known as carbon dioxide inhalation intoxication or hypocapnia.
Acid-Base Balance
Acid-base balance, also known as pH balance, is a critical aspect of maintaining the proper functioning of cells and tissues. CO₂ participates in the acid-base balance by forming carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) in the presence of water and the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic acid then dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO⁻₃) ions and protons (H⁺). Bicarbonate ions contribute to maintaining the body's pH levels.
An imbalance in acid-base levels, known as acidosis or alkalosis, can have severe consequences for health. For example, in acidosis, CO₂ levels increase, leading to respiratory acidosis, while in alkalosis, CO₂ levels decrease, leading to respiratory alkalosis.
In summary, the primary roles of oxygen and CO₂ are essential for cellular respiration and photosynthesis, while their secondary roles pertain to sense of smell and acid-base balance. Understanding these roles allows us to appreciate the intricate interactions of metabolism and its implications for health and well-being.
Explore the primary and secondary roles of oxygen and carbon dioxide in metabolism. Learn about cellular respiration, photosynthesis, the sense of smell, and acid-base balance, and how these processes are crucial for the functioning of organisms.
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