Oxygen diffuses from blood into cells down its concentration gradient. As cells become more active and oxidative phosphorylation increases in the cell, which of the following occurs?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As cells become more active and increase oxidative phosphorylation, they consume more oxygen. This consumption decreases the intracellular concentration of oxygen, thereby increasing the concentration gradient between the blood and the cells. As a result, the rate of oxygen diffusion into the cells increases to meet the higher demand.

Oxygen Diffuses from Blood into Cells Down Its Concentration Gradient