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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is best associated with the electron transport chain?
A
Glycolysis
B
ATP synthesis
C
Citric acid cycle
D
Fermentation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It plays a crucial role in cellular respiration by transferring electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions.
Identify the main function: The primary purpose of the electron transport chain is to create a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, which is used to produce ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation.
Differentiate the processes: Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and fermentation are all parts of cellular respiration, but they occur in different locations and have different roles. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and breaks down glucose into pyruvate. The citric acid cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and further processes pyruvate to produce electron carriers. Fermentation is an anaerobic process that allows glycolysis to continue in the absence of oxygen.
Connect the ETC to ATP synthesis: The electron transport chain is directly associated with ATP synthesis because it generates the proton gradient necessary for ATP synthase to convert ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP.
Conclude the association: Given the options, ATP synthesis is the process most directly associated with the electron transport chain, as it is the final step where the energy from electrons is used to produce ATP.