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Multiple Choice
Which of the following processes produces the most ATP during cellular respiration?
A
Glycolysis
B
Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)
C
Oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport chain and chemiosmosis)
D
Fermentation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy (ATP). It consists of three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.
Review the ATP yield of each stage: Glycolysis produces 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, the citric acid cycle produces 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, and oxidative phosphorylation produces the majority of ATP (approximately 28-34 ATP molecules per glucose molecule).
Learn the mechanism of oxidative phosphorylation: This process occurs in the mitochondria and involves the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis. Electrons are transferred through protein complexes, creating a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Understand chemiosmosis: The proton gradient drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase, a protein that converts ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP as protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix.
Compare the processes: Oxidative phosphorylation produces significantly more ATP than glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, or fermentation, making it the most efficient process for ATP production during cellular respiration.