2007-06-22 09:45:39 · 11 answers · asked by Gorgan M 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Not exactly. While it is what we breath oxygen also does something called "oxidizing" of other chemicals which is good and sometimes not so good. Which is why we're all encouraged to take antioxidants to keep some cells and tissues from being damaged by oxidation.
Oxidative stress in these tissues and cells has been implicated in lots of diseases.
2007-06-22 09:55:31 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ironically, even though we need oxygen to support life, it is one of the most corrosive gases out there. Without oxygen steel would not rust, aluminum would not corrode and humans would not get cancer. Yes, oxygen does contribute to aging but there's not much we can do about it. In fact, many plants and animals would do better with less than the twenty one percent oxygen that is in our atmosphere. Of course there then would be no humans to bother them anymore.
2007-06-22 16:54:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
High levels of reactive oxygen species can cause cell damage, mutations, etc. which may lead to larger problems for the human body. ROS are made naturally in our bodies because they are important in the immune response.
2007-06-22 16:57:30 · answer #3 · answered by Joy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's spelled oxygen. And what you're thinking of are free oxygen radicals which do attack our cells. The immune system has evolved to help take care of this, but yes, certain forms of oxygen are detrimental to cells. Hydrogen Peroxide is an example of this.
2007-06-22 16:52:19 · answer #4 · answered by markon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well oxygen is necessary for respiration, and respiration is necessary for living (unless you're a plant), and living means you get older... so in a way, yes.
2007-06-22 16:53:07 · answer #5 · answered by quierounvaquero 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it does. Although it is vital for life, it is also a highly reactive element and can damage cells. My doctor calls it "body rust".
2007-06-23 02:14:30 · answer #6 · answered by Martin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without oxygen, we'd never get any older.
Oxygen radicals, though, can wreak some havoc.
2007-06-22 17:07:03 · answer #7 · answered by Ambivalence 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No oxygen is the source of our life!!!!it doesnt make us older
2007-06-22 16:49:16 · answer #8 · answered by vamsee p 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No! but it seems to affect ones spelling abilities!
2007-06-22 17:00:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No but `oxygen` might. I don`t know!
2007-06-22 16:53:47 · answer #10 · answered by Rose D 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋