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Multiple Choice
Which energy pathway produces the greatest amount of ATP during cellular respiration?
A
Electron Transport Chain
B
Fermentation
C
Glycolysis
D
Citric Acid Cycle
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the process of cellular respiration, which is the method cells use to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.
Cellular respiration consists of several stages: Glycolysis, the Citric Acid Cycle (also known as the Krebs Cycle), and the Electron Transport Chain (ETC). Each stage contributes to the production of ATP.
Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH. It is an anaerobic process, meaning it does not require oxygen.
The Citric Acid Cycle takes place in the mitochondria and further processes pyruvate into carbon dioxide, generating ATP, NADH, and FADH2. This cycle is aerobic, requiring oxygen.
The Electron Transport Chain is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It uses NADH and FADH2 produced in previous steps to create a proton gradient that drives the synthesis of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. This stage produces the most ATP compared to Glycolysis and the Citric Acid Cycle.