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Multiple Choice
What is the main function of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration?
A
To produce ATP by substrate-level phosphorylation
B
To generate a proton gradient for ATP synthesis
C
To break down glucose into pyruvate
D
To convert pyruvate into acetyl-CoA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that cellular respiration is a multi-step process that includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Recognize that the electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Know that the main function of the ETC is to transfer electrons from electron donors like NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, which is the final electron acceptor.
Realize that as electrons move through the ETC, energy is released and used to pump protons (H+) across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.
Understand that this proton gradient is used by ATP synthase to produce ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate, a process known as chemiosmosis.