Drowning, suffocation, and carbon monoxide poisoning each prevent sufficient oxygen from reaching a person's cells, resulting in death. Using what you know about cellular respiration, explain why this occurs (provide molecular details in your answer).
OXYGEN is needed for respiration in cells.
The main site of oxygen need in cell is mitochondria where respiration takes place. In mitochondria O2 is needed at the time of electron acceptance at the end of Electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane.Electrons passing from Complex 1 and 2 moves to complex 3, which transports electrons to complex 4 via Cyt C which is a mobile electron carrier.
From Complex 4, AKA cytochrome C oxidase, Electrons are accepted by O2 molecule along with H2 , making 2 H2O molecule. And thus oxygen acts as final acceptor of low energy electrons of ETS. Thus, it helps the cycle to keep in running for making ATP molecules by breaking the H+ gradient.
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