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Multiple Choice
Why are fewer ATP molecules produced during anaerobic respiration compared to aerobic respiration?
A
Anaerobic respiration does not use the electron transport chain, resulting in less efficient ATP production.
B
Anaerobic respiration produces more NADH, which inhibits ATP formation.
C
Anaerobic respiration occurs only in mitochondria, restricting ATP output.
D
Anaerobic respiration uses more oxygen, which limits ATP synthesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the key difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, while anaerobic respiration does not rely on oxygen and typically uses alternative pathways.
Step 2: Recall the role of the electron transport chain in ATP production. In aerobic respiration, the electron transport chain is highly efficient at producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Anaerobic respiration bypasses this chain, leading to less efficient ATP production.
Step 3: Analyze the metabolic pathways involved in anaerobic respiration. Anaerobic respiration primarily relies on glycolysis, which produces only 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, compared to the 30-32 ATP molecules produced in aerobic respiration.
Step 4: Consider the role of NADH in anaerobic respiration. While NADH is produced during glycolysis, it is not efficiently used to generate ATP in the absence of the electron transport chain, as it cannot donate electrons to oxygen.
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect answer choices based on the biological principles discussed. For example, anaerobic respiration does not occur only in mitochondria, nor does it use more oxygen (it occurs in the absence of oxygen). The correct answer is that anaerobic respiration does not use the electron transport chain, resulting in less efficient ATP production.