Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I currently discovered that Sulfur's chemical properties are the most identical to oxygen (since they're both chalcogens). So my question is, if they're so similar, could we breath sulfur with ease? I'd like this answered in to parts 1. If we can and 2. If an alien species could evolve to breath sulfur as their oxygen counterpart

Inhaling sulfur is actually very dangerous for humans, because sulfur in the air comes in the form of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Too much exposure to sulfur dioxide can cause respiration disorders. For more information about the effects of sulfur dioxide, check out this link: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=252&tid=46

As far as we know, all organisms require oxygen to survive. Oxygen is needed for the cellular respiration equation:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O → 12H2O + 6 CO2
This chemical reaction generates energy which is stored in ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules. This stored energy is used in performing all sorts of bodily functions, from breathing to moving to digesting. Without usable energy, organisms cannot survive.

But who knows? Maybe there is indeed an alien species out there that breathes sulfur instead of oxygen. There are countless things in the universe left to be discovered.

-Karen Zhang