THE IMportance of oxygen in animals oxygen is a vital part of all the processes that make animals' bodies FUNCTION. most cells in the body carry large numbers of mitochondria , where the PROCESS of RESPIRATION and energy take place. in the RESPIRATION PROCESS energy is released from the breakdown of molecules in food in the presence of oxygen. oxygen is NECESSARY to produce adenosine triphosphate (atp) which is a chemical compound that stores energy and fuels cell activity. these ACTIVITIES include making new molecules, PUMPING ions, and carrying nerve impulses. blood carries oxygen and carbon dioxide , which is the waste from cellular respiration, in and out of the RESPIRATORY system and into the cells throughout the body. This PROCESS is also known as respiration . the oxygen and carbon dioxide gasses, atp, and all the cellular activity combine to make the body stay alive and work well.
gas exchange in the blue-ringed octopus
A blue-ringed octopus is a cephalopod, which uses a few parts of its body to complete the respiratory process. First, the most obvious part of the octopus is its mantle, which is the large, balloon-like head. The mantle has a cavity into which it draws water. The water passes into the gills that in turn draws oxygen out of the water. The water is pushed out of the octopus through the siphon, which also creates a jet stream that the animal uses to move. the oxygen drawn in by the gills is dispersed throughout the Octopus's body, including to the heart that disperses blood. Like all animals, octopi need oxygen in the blood to create energy. the octopi blue blood cannot carry as much oxygen as red-blooded animals. As a result, they have poor circulation and run out of energy quickly. This is probably why the Blue-ringed octopus was designed with a paralyzing poison that helps them slow down or stop their prey. That way the octopus does not have to engage in a high-energy chase to catch and eat its prey. (image1) if you mouse over two of the starred items on the right and you can see the gills inside the mantle and the siphon.