What role does oxygen play in cellular respiration?

Oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor in cellular respiration, a crucial role in the process of producing energy from organic molecules. During cellular respiration, glucose is metabolized, and electrons are transferred through a series of protein complexes in the electron transport chain located in the mitochondrial membrane. At the end of this process, oxygen accepts the electrons, allowing for the formation of water. This step is vital because it helps maintain the flow of electrons through the transport chain and facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells.

This function of oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration, which is the process that requires oxygen to efficiently generate ATP. Without oxygen, the electron transport chain would become congested, halting ATP production and leading to energy deficits in the cell.