Where does cellular metabolism using oxygen primarily occur?

Cellular metabolism that utilizes oxygen primarily takes place in the mitochondria. This organelle is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because it is responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration, a process that requires oxygen. The mitochondria facilitate key metabolic reactions, including the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, which are essential for energy production.

In the presence of oxygen, these processes allow cells to effectively convert nutrients into usable energy in the form of ATP. This is crucial for sustaining cellular functions and overall metabolism. The other organelles mentioned, such as ribosomes, the nucleus, and the Golgi apparatus, have distinct roles such as protein synthesis, genetic information storage, and protein modification, respectively, but they do not play a primary role in the metabolic processes involving oxygen.