Why oxygen is important to people and animals?

Oxygen is essential for human life. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that makes up about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere. Our bodies need oxygen to function, and we can only survive for a few minutes without it.

Here are some of the important roles that oxygen plays in the human body:

* Cellular respiration: Oxygen is required for the process of cellular respiration, which is how cells generate energy. During cellular respiration, oxygen is combined with glucose (a type of sugar) to produce water, carbon dioxide, and energy.

* Breathing: Oxygen is essential for breathing, which is how we bring air into our lungs. When we inhale, we draw air into our lungs through our nose or mouth. The oxygen in the air is then absorbed by our lungs and carried to our bloodstream.

* Circulation: Oxygen is carried through our bloodstream to all parts of our body by our red blood cells. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body.

* Metabolism: Oxygen is also involved in metabolism, which is the process by which our bodies convert food into energy. Oxygen is required for the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Oxygen is also essential for animals. Most animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, need oxygen to survive. Oxygen is used by animals for the same purposes as it is used by humans, including cellular respiration, breathing, circulation, and metabolism.

Without oxygen, we and other animals would not be able to survive. It is a vital gas that is essential for life.