Question

Why must oxygen saturation be kept in homeostatic range?

Answer 1

Oxygen saturation must be kept in homeostatic range as both increase or decrease in the pO2 an cause formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) which can cause oxidation of nucleic acids, lipids etc. and may also cause cellular dysfunction or death. Presence of ROS in the cytoplasm is a signal for cellular apoptosis or programmed cell death. Oxygen is utilized during cellular respiration as terminal electron acceptor where it is reduced to water at the end of oxidative phosphorylation. In completely reduced byproducts such as peroxide or superoxide radicals can cause oxidation of cellular species such as lipids, proteins. Thus, it is important to maintain homeostatsis for oxygen saturation in order to prevent accumulation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage the cell.