OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What is the role of oxygen in the circulatory system?

It is a waste product
It is used in cellular respiration
It increases blood pressure
It controls heart rate

The correct answer is: It is used in cellular respiration

Oxygen plays a vital role in the circulatory system primarily because it is used in cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This energy is essential for the functioning of all cellular processes, including muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and overall metabolic activity. The heart pumps oxygenated blood from the lungs to various parts of the body through the circulatory system. As the blood circulates, oxygen diffuses from the blood into the cells, where it is utilized in the metabolic process to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. This connection between oxygen delivery and cellular respiration underscores the importance of oxygen in maintaining the energy balance of the body. While other options mention components and effects of the circulatory system, they do not accurately describe the primary function of oxygen within this system.