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Multiple Choice
Which stage of aerobic respiration includes oxaloacetate as a reactant?
A
Pyruvate oxidation
B
Electron transport chain
C
Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle)
D
Glycolysis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of aerobic respiration: Aerobic respiration is a multi-step process that includes glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain. Each stage has specific reactants and products.
Recall the role of oxaloacetate: Oxaloacetate is a four-carbon molecule that plays a key role in the Krebs cycle. It combines with acetyl-CoA (a two-carbon molecule) to form citrate (a six-carbon molecule) at the start of the cycle.
Identify the stage where oxaloacetate is used: Oxaloacetate is not involved in glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, or the electron transport chain. It is specifically a reactant in the Krebs cycle, where it facilitates the entry of acetyl-CoA into the cycle.
Review the steps of the Krebs cycle: In the first step of the Krebs cycle, oxaloacetate reacts with acetyl-CoA to form citrate. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme citrate synthase.
Confirm the correct answer: Based on the information, the stage of aerobic respiration that includes oxaloacetate as a reactant is the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle).