If we are Carbon based, why do we need oxygen to live?

Question

we have carbon dioxide already in our bodies, but is that the only factor that "makes" us carbon based.

Answer 1

You've confused definitions here: "carbon-based" does not mean that an organism lives on carbon somehow. It means that the complex molecules that make up life are bonded together with carbon. Carbon atoms easily bond to other atoms (such as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen) and stay stable. The term is descriptive of the components of life, not how an organism lives.

Answer 2

Because the body needs to use the food we eat. It goes like this: we eat the food. The digestive system transforms the food in simpler elements. These elements go to the cell and, in other to be used in the cell, it happens the combustion of the elements. The combustion is a reaction that needs OXYGEN, a combustible and enough temperature in order to "burn" the elements.

Answer 3

we need oxygen because of a process called respiration. It is a biochemical sequence of reaction with a final process in which oxygen receive electrons that jump thru the chain. In this chain (respiration) ATP (energy) is generated.

After reading this answer make yourself a favor, take a look at http://celebritiesphotos.blogspot.com

Answer 4

Cars need gasoline to drive, but they're not made of gasoline. Carbon-based means we are made of organic compounds.