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Multiple Choice
Which stage of the aerobic cellular respiration pathway yields the most ATP?
A
Glycolysis
B
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
C
Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)
D
Pyruvate oxidation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of aerobic cellular respiration, which consists of four main stages: glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and the electron transport chain coupled with oxidative phosphorylation.
Recall that ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of the cell, and each stage of cellular respiration contributes to ATP production in varying amounts.
Analyze glycolysis: This occurs in the cytoplasm and produces a small amount of ATP directly through substrate-level phosphorylation. It also generates NADH, which is used later in the electron transport chain.
Examine the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle): This occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and produces a small amount of ATP directly, along with NADH and FADH₂, which are electron carriers used in the electron transport chain.
Focus on the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation: This occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is the stage where the majority of ATP is produced. NADH and FADH₂ donate electrons to the chain, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase.