Quick answer: Most human cells use oxygen in mitochondria to produce large amounts of ATP, a molecule that powers cellular work.
What to know
Oxygen reaches the lungs, enters the blood, and is delivered to tissues. Carbon dioxide produced by metabolism is transported back to the lungs for removal.
Practical context
Not every cellular process uses oxygen directly, but sustained loss of oxygen quickly threatens organs that need continuous energy.
Frequently asked question
Do all living things need oxygen?
No. Many microbes survive without oxygen and use other chemical pathways for energy.
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