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Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors most directly improves the productivity (ATP yield) of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?
A
Inhibition of the electron transport chain
B
Lower mitochondrial membrane surface area
C
Increased availability of oxygen
D
Decreased concentration of glucose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, the energy currency of the cell. It consists of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport chain and chemiosmosis).
Recognize the role of oxygen: Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain during oxidative phosphorylation. Without sufficient oxygen, the electron transport chain cannot function efficiently, leading to reduced ATP production.
Analyze the impact of increased oxygen availability: Increased oxygen availability ensures that the electron transport chain operates at maximum efficiency, allowing for optimal ATP yield. This directly improves the productivity of cellular respiration.
Evaluate the other options: Inhibition of the electron transport chain would halt ATP production, lower mitochondrial membrane surface area would reduce the space for oxidative phosphorylation, and decreased glucose concentration would limit the substrate for ATP production. None of these factors improve productivity.
Conclude that increased oxygen availability is the factor that most directly improves ATP yield in cellular respiration, as it supports the efficient functioning of the electron transport chain.