Question

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of oxygen-based metabolism.

Short answer

• Organisms can break down glucose all the way to carbon dioxide using oxygen.
• This generates enough energy for up to 38 ATP molecules to be produced.
• As a result, aerobic respiration produces significantly more energy than anaerobic respiration.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Metabolism

• Metabolism is the biological process of combining nutrients with oxygen to release the energy that the body needs to function.
• The resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the number of calories consumed by the body to maintain basic bodily functions such as pulse, mental ability, and relaxation.

Advantages for oxygen-based metabolism.

• The heart rate is boosted by oxygen-based metabolism, which keeps it going for a long time.
• It entails actions that put more strain on the lungs and heart than normal daily activities.
• Lower blood pressure, reduced heart disease and diabetes, improved mood, increased energy, better sleep, and higher self-esteem are just a few of the health benefits.
• The whole body is sustained by a O₂-based metabolism that runs in a continuous and rhythmic manner.
• The lungs, heart, and blood arteries all perform potentially or efficiently as a result of ordered aerobic metabolism, allowing the heart to pump more blood and O₂ (oxygen) to the critical body components.
• The aerobic or oxygen-based metabolism generates a lot of energy.
• It is divided into three major phases: glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and ETS (electron transport chain). ETS produces 34 ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules compared to glycolysis (2 ATP) and Krebs or citric acid cycle (2 ATP).
• Thus, the total energy or ATP generated aerobically C₆H₁₂O₆ is 38.
• The oxygen-based metabolism is primarily used by the slow-twitch myofibers or red fibres.
• As a result, the network of capillaries (blood vessels) surrounding the red myofibers expands, providing the cells with a constant supply of oxygen$\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ and nutrients (such as glucose).
• The brain benefits greatly from O₂-based metabolism.
• It is critical for appropriate brain functioning in order for it to complete numerous tasks, such as writing a test or many others.
• Both oxygen and glucose must be delivered to the brain on a regular basis.
• The brain has trouble communicating where to deliver blood to O₂ or oxygen-deficient tissues and muscles when there isn't enough oxygen or when blood oxygen levels are low.

Disadvantages for oxygen-based metabolism.

Oxygen toxicity - Fluoride ion (F^-) attacks O₂ (oxygen) and modifies its metabolism inthe biological system following exposure to a high concentration of F- due to the presence of a highly active chemical property. It causes massive free radicals to develop, resulting in oxygen toxicity.

Bone or ligament issues - The recurrent and persistent impact of oxygen-based metabolism is highly detrimental to ligaments and bones because it is a slow metabolic process. Individuals with weak bones should avoid the tasks associated with maintaining such a high-intensity metabolism.