answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Our metabolisms take advantage of a reaction between oxygen gas and compounds such as glucose to release energy. Oxygen compounds do not contain the same energy and do not react in quite the same way with other substances, so we cannot use them. Most substances that are as reactive as oxygen are toxic, but we have adapted specifically to be able to use oxygen.

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

5mo ago

Oxygen is a highly reactive element, which means it can form strong bonds with other elements to create compounds. Once oxygen is bound to another element in a compound, it is no longer available for respiration because it is already part of a molecule. In compounds, oxygen may be in a form that does not release free oxygen atoms for cellular respiration.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why can you not use oxygen in compounds to breathe?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What do plants use that consumers breathe out?

We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Plants take in this carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which we use after that.


How does oxygen use by animals?

Animals breathe in oxygen in the air.


Why does your bodies need to respire?

To Breathe.. You Use Your Lungs To Breathe In Oxygen And Breathe Out Carbon Dioxide.


Why dont animals use up all the oxygen in the atmosphere?

Animals do not use up all the oxygen in the atmosphere because plants produce oxygen. When they breathe, plants inhale carbon dioxide (which is what animals breathe out) and exhale oxygen (which is what animals breathe in).


What are examples of oxygen?

Examples of oxygen include the oxygen gas we breathe in the atmosphere, oxygen molecules in water (H2O), and oxygen atoms in organic compounds like carbohydrates and fats.


What is the use of oxygen in your body?

so you can breathe


Do you breathe in or breathe out oxygen?

Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Trees "breathe" out oxygen.


What do turtles use their lungs for?

They use them to breathe with, to get oxygen from the air.


What do humans breathe out and plants breathe in?

They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. That's how they help us. It's called photosynthesis, requiring the use of the sun and CO2. It produces sugar, energy, and O2.


How humans you use oxygen in industry?

Terrible grammar. Either the asker does not speek English or is mentally challenged. I will slowly answer this question the best that I can. Humans... use oxygen... to breathe... If humans could not breathe they could not do anything industrial! That is "how humans you use oxygen in industry". They breathe it. You should try it. Your brain could use some oxygen numbnut!


How does a white tail deer use oxygen?

to breathe


What is a sentence using the word oxygen?

My mother needs to use her oxygen tank to breathe.