Cells need energy to function. They obtain this energy from the energy storing molecule ATP. Think back to what you have already learned about ATP. It is formed by combining the nucleoside adenosine with three high energy phosphate groups. In order for ATP to be produced, oxygen must be available. Without oxygen, the addition of the third phosphate group does not occur, and ATP is consequently not produced. Without ATP, the body’s cells do not have a source of energy and will die once a cell’s ATP reserves are used up.
The body’s source of oxygen is the air in the atmosphere. Getting oxygen from the air to each cell in the body requires a complex and coordinated effort from the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Every minute these systems work together to take in oxygen the body needs and get rid of the waste gases produced.
In this activity, you will meet a young girl who is struggling to breathe. As you work to diagnose her, you will investigate the structure of the respiratory system and consider what happens in the body when low levels of oxygen cause a person to gasp for even a simple breath.
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