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Multiple Choice
Oxygen is an important molecule in which of the following biochemical processes?
A
Aerobic cellular respiration
B
Fermentation
C
Photosystem II of photosynthesis
D
Glycolysis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of oxygen in biochemical processes. Oxygen is a key molecule in aerobic cellular respiration, where it acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, enabling the production of ATP.
Step 2: Analyze fermentation. Fermentation is an anaerobic process, meaning it does not require oxygen. Instead, it regenerates NAD+ for glycolysis by reducing pyruvate or its derivatives, producing byproducts like ethanol or lactic acid.
Step 3: Examine Photosystem II of photosynthesis. Oxygen is produced as a byproduct during the splitting of water molecules (photolysis) in Photosystem II, but it is not directly involved in the process itself.
Step 4: Consider glycolysis. Glycolysis is the first step in glucose metabolism and occurs in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Oxygen is not required for glycolysis, as it is an anaerobic process.
Step 5: Conclude that oxygen is directly involved in aerobic cellular respiration, where it plays a critical role as the final electron acceptor, but it is not required for fermentation, glycolysis, or Photosystem II of photosynthesis.