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Multiple Choice
Which of the following processes occurs first during cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?
A
Oxidative phosphorylation
B
Glycolysis
C
Fermentation
D
Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is a multi-step process that cells use to convert glucose into energy (ATP). The main stages are glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.
Identify the sequence of events: Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm, where glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate.
Clarify the role of glycolysis: During glycolysis, glucose (a 6-carbon molecule) is split into two 3-carbon molecules of pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH in the process.
Differentiate glycolysis from other stages: The citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation occur later in the mitochondria, while fermentation is an alternative pathway that occurs only in the absence of oxygen.
Conclude that glycolysis is the first process: Since glycolysis is the initial step in cellular respiration, it occurs before the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, or fermentation.