Question

The harmful gas produced by catabolic reaction in our body is (a) Oxygen (b) Carbon dioxide (c) Phosphine (d) Ozone

Short answer

The harmful gas produced by catabolic reaction in our body is Carbon dioxide.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Catabolism

Catabolism involves the breakdown of nutrients and food in our body to release energy. During this process, one of the key byproducts is a particular type of gas.

Identifying the Gas Produced

In the process of catabolism, particularly during the breakdown of glucose, carbon dioxide is produced as a byproduct. This gas is then excreted from our body through respiration.

Matching the Gas to the Options

Upon identifying the gas produced during catabolism as carbon dioxide, this gas can then be matched to the presented options in the multiple-choice question.

Key concepts

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) is a crucial aspect of catabolic reactions within our bodies. This gas results from the breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration, a process essential for energy production. As glucose is metabolized, the carbon atoms are released as carbon dioxide, which serves no purpose in the body's cellular processes. Our bodies, therefore, need to expel this waste gas to prevent it from accumulating in our bloodstream.

• The primary method of expelling carbon dioxide is through the respiratory system.
• This process involves transporting the gas from cells to the lungs, where it is released during exhalation.

While carbon dioxide may be considered a waste product, it also plays a role in maintaining the body's pH balance. Its proper removal ensures that the body's internal environment remains stable and functional.

Respiration in Humans

Respiration in humans is a vital process ensuring that the body has a constant supply of energy, necessary for various cellular activities. It involves both the intake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide.

• The human respiratory system consists of organs such as the lungs, bronchi, trachea, and diaphragm.
• These organs work together to facilitate the exchange of gases—oxygen is inhaled, and carbon dioxide is exhaled.

This process is driven by the need to expel the byproducts of catabolic reactions, like metabolic carbon dioxide, after energy extraction from nutrients. It is crucial for maintaining cellular respiration, the powerhouse of energy transformation in our body, enabling the functioning of various biological processes.

Energy Release Process

The energy release process is fundamental to all living organisms, and it involves the conversion of nutrients, particularly glucose, into usable energy through catabolic reactions. This process happens primarily within the mitochondria, often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell. ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule that stores energy for cellular activities, is formed during this process.

• Catabolic reactions break down glucose via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
• These reactions ultimately lead to the production of ATP and the release of carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

It is the energy released from these reactions that fuels muscle contraction, nerve impulses, and even simple actions like moving your hand. Understanding this process highlights the interconnectedness of energy release, nutrient breakdown, and the expulsion of waste products like carbon dioxide in maintaining the body's activities.