What is the primary waste product from the metabolism of oxygen?

Prepare for the NAUI Nitrox Diver Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Dive into your exam readiness now!

The primary waste product from the metabolism of oxygen is carbon dioxide. During cellular respiration, organisms utilize oxygen to convert glucose into energy. This metabolic process results in the production of carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The oxygen we breathe is essential for the efficient extraction of energy from food, but the conversion process yields carbon dioxide, which must then be expelled from the body.

Water is also produced in this process, but it is not classified as a waste product; rather, it is a valuable component that plays critical roles in various bodily functions. Glucose is the energy source being metabolized and is not a waste product itself. Ozone, while composed of oxygen, is not a byproduct of metabolism and does not play a role in the respiratory process. Thus, carbon dioxide stands out as the correct answer due to its role as the key waste product formed during the utilization of oxygen in energy metabolism.

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