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Nature 433, 471-472 (3 February 2005) | doi:10.1038/433471a; Published online 2 February 2005
Physiology: A welcome shortage of breath
Thorsten Burmester1
Abstract
The respiratory systems of animals must guarantee an efficient oxygen supply. But it seems that, in some insects, they have evolved to restrict the flow of oxygen too.
Like most other animals, insects need to inhale oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. Oxygen fuels energy production in the cells' power plants, the mitochondria, and carbon dioxide is released as a waste product.
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Insects breathe discontinuously to avoid oxygen toxicityNature Letters to Editor (03 Feb 2005)