Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
During which of the following processes is oxygen ($O_2$) directly consumed in cellular respiration?
A
Electron transport chain
B
Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)
C
Fermentation
D
Glycolysis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is the process by which cells generate energy (ATP) by breaking down glucose. It consists of several stages: glycolysis, citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), electron transport chain, and sometimes fermentation under anaerobic conditions.
Review the role of oxygen ($O_2$) in cellular respiration: Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, which occurs in the mitochondria. It combines with electrons and protons to form water ($H_2O$). This step is crucial for the production of ATP.
Analyze the processes listed: Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen. The citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) occurs in the mitochondria and produces electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) but does not directly consume oxygen. Fermentation is an anaerobic process and does not involve oxygen.
Focus on the electron transport chain: This is the stage where oxygen ($O_2$) is directly consumed. Electrons from NADH and FADH2 are transferred through protein complexes, and oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, forming water.
Conclude that oxygen ($O_2$) is directly consumed during the electron transport chain, making it the correct answer to the question.