Why Do O2 Requirements Change

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Whether aerobic or anaerobic, cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts nutrient energy into ATP through the breakdown of food that’s stored as sugar. These processes are vital for cells to perform essential life functions. During respiration (breathing), ATP synthesis is facilitated by aerobic respiration, which uses oxygen. Being the electron acceptor, oxygen is an important part of the electron transport chain, which synthesizes ATP from the nutrients. Electrons are transferred between proteins, which pump hydrogen ions into the intermembrane space causing oxygen to combine with electrons and two hydrogen ions, forming water. ATP is made when hydrogen ions pass through ATP synthase.On the other hand, anaerobic respiration takes place when this conversion happens without the presence of oxygen.

As activity levels increase why do O2 requirements change?
When O2 demands cannot be made, aerobic cellular respiration kicks in. After glycolysis, the pyruvate is
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Athlete’s bodies are much more adequately equipped to transport oxygen into the bloodstream and getting it to muscles where it will undergo metabolic processes. Someone who exercises regularly will not get as out of breathe as a couch potato might when climbing a flight of stairs. This means breathing rates of more fit individuals will be lower than people who aren't as fit. The test will measure breaths per minute in different levels of physical activity (resting, moderate (4mph), and high (8mph)) in three different subjects. Note: Results cannot be compared within the group (Subject A vs Subject B) because breathing rate (athletic and non-athletic people alike) varies depending on weight, height and gender, and each subject is drastically different from the other subjects within these