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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the electron transport chain is correct?
A
Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.
B
The electron transport chain occurs in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
C
Oxygen is produced as a byproduct of the electron transport chain.
D
ATP is directly produced by the transfer of electrons to oxygen.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the electron transport chain (ETC): The ETC is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to transfer electrons from electron carriers (NADH and FADH₂) to oxygen, driving the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Clarify the role of oxygen in the ETC: Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the chain. It combines with electrons and protons (H⁺) to form water (H₂O). This is a critical step to prevent the backup of electrons in the chain.
Evaluate the statement about the location of the ETC: The ETC does not occur in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Instead, it is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This statement is incorrect.
Analyze the statement about oxygen production: Oxygen is not produced as a byproduct of the ETC. Instead, oxygen is consumed as the final electron acceptor, and water is produced as a byproduct. This statement is also incorrect.
Examine the statement about ATP production: ATP is not directly produced by the transfer of electrons to oxygen. Instead, the movement of electrons through the ETC creates a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase. This statement is incorrect.