Molecular Oxygen

Definition

Molecular oxygen (O2) refers to two oxygen atoms bonded together. It's what we breathe in from the air around us for our cells to perform respiration.

Analogy

Consider molecular oxygen as your phone charger. Just like your phone needs charging to function properly, your body cells need molecular oxygen for respiration - their way of 'charging up'.

Related terms

Respiration: The process by which cells break down simple food molecules such as glucose and release energy they contain.

Oxidation Reaction: A chemical reaction where a substance loses electrons or gains oxygen; often involves burning or rusting.

Hemoglobin: An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that transports molecular oxygen from lungs to tissues throughout the body.