Ask A Scientist© Molecular Biology Archive

name        Catherine Barber
status      student
age         20s

Question -  How do you explain the oxidation process when combining
energy, carbohydrates, protein, and fats? How is oxidation also related
to breathing?
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Any oxidation process involves the loss of electrons from atoms - and
usually the combination of other atoms with oxygen in the process.
Oxidation is the chemical process by which cells "get" their energy from the
foods that we consume.  After oxidation, the foods are left with less
available chemical energy, and we pass those leftovers out of the body as
wastes.
Breathing gives us the oxygen needed for the oxidation that constantly
occurs in all of our cells to provide the energy that keeps us alive.
Let me know if you'd like more details.
Ellen Mayo
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