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Multiple Choice
Which description properly describes a step involved in cellular respiration?
A
Fermentation generates ATP by using the electron transport chain in mitochondria.
B
Photosystem II splits glucose to release carbon dioxide.
C
Glycolysis breaks down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate in the cytoplasm.
D
The Calvin cycle produces ATP and NADH from oxygen and water.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of cellular respiration, which is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into energy (ATP) in cells. It consists of three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.
Step 2: Focus on glycolysis, the first stage of cellular respiration. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and involves the breakdown of one glucose molecule (C₆H₁₂O₆) into two molecules of pyruvate (C₃H₄O₃). This process does not require oxygen and is anaerobic.
Step 3: Recognize that glycolysis generates a small amount of ATP and NADH. Specifically, it produces 2 ATP molecules and 2 NADH molecules per glucose molecule. These products are used in later stages of cellular respiration.
Step 4: Compare the incorrect statements in the problem. For example, fermentation does not use the electron transport chain, and photosystem II is part of photosynthesis, not cellular respiration. The Calvin cycle is also part of photosynthesis and does not produce ATP and NADH from oxygen and water.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of a step in cellular respiration is: 'Glycolysis breaks down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate in the cytoplasm.' This aligns with the biological process of glycolysis.