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Multiple Choice
Which stage of cellular respiration occurs without the presence of oxygen (is anaerobic)?
A
Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)
B
Electron transport chain
C
Glycolysis
D
Oxidative phosphorylation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy (ATP). It consists of multiple stages, some of which require oxygen (aerobic) and others that do not (anaerobic).
Identify the stages of cellular respiration: The main stages are glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), the electron transport chain, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Determine which stage is anaerobic: Glycolysis is the only stage of cellular respiration that occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen. It breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.
Clarify why the other stages require oxygen: The citric acid cycle, electron transport chain, and oxidative phosphorylation occur in the mitochondria and rely on oxygen as the final electron acceptor to produce ATP efficiently.
Conclude that glycolysis is the correct answer: Glycolysis is the anaerobic stage of cellular respiration, making it the correct answer to the question.