rgy from organic substances using oxygen as an oxidizing agent. This process is called aerobic respiration.
Aerobic respiration is a complex process that occurs in various respiratory organs of animals and humans. The main respiratory organ in animals and humans is the lungs. Air containing oxygen enters the lungs through the nose or mouth and then passes through the respiratory tract. In the lungs, oxygen passes from the air into the blood, and carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the air. Blood saturated with oxygen enters organs and tissues, where oxygen is used to oxidize organic substances.
Oxidation of organic substances occurs in the mitochondria of cells. As a result of this process, energy is generated, which is used by cells to perform various functions. One of the main products of aerobic respiration is ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a universal source of energy for cells.
Gas exchange is a process that ensures the supply of oxygen to the body and the removal of carbon dioxide from the body. Gas exchange occurs in the lungs of animals and humans, as well as in plants. In plants, gas exchange occurs during photosynthesis and respiration.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use energy from the sun to synthesize organic matter from carbon dioxide and water. As a result of photosynthesis, oxygen is released and released into the atmosphere. Plants need oxygen through the process of respiration, in which they use organic matter for energy.
The importance of respiration and gas exchange for living organisms is obvious. Without oxygen entering the body of animals and humans, as well as without photosynthesis in plants, it is impossible to ensure the vital activity of cells and, therefore, life in general. Therefore, studying the processes of respiration and gas exchange is an important task for biologists and physicians.