Cellular respiration harvests electrons from organic compounds like glucose to produce ATP, which cells use for energy. It requires a continuous oxygen supply. Oxygen enters the body through breathing and reaches cells via blood, allowing aerobic respiration. Without enough oxygen, anaerobic respiration generates lactic acid waste. Prolonged low oxygen can cause metabolic acidosis and cell death. Normal breathing maintains pH, PCO2, and PO2 levels in a narrow range important for cellular function.