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Multiple Choice
The Krebs cycle does not occur if:
A
carbon dioxide is present
B
ATP levels are low
C
oxygen is not present in the cell
D
glucose is abundant
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle). It is a series of chemical reactions used by aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Step 2: Recognize that the Krebs cycle is part of cellular respiration, which requires oxygen as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. Without oxygen, the electron transport chain cannot function, and the Krebs cycle is inhibited.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Carbon dioxide being present does not directly affect the Krebs cycle, as CO₂ is a byproduct of the cycle. ATP levels being low would typically signal the cell to continue energy production, including the Krebs cycle. Glucose abundance does not directly impact the Krebs cycle, as glucose is processed earlier in glycolysis.
Step 4: Focus on the correct answer: oxygen is not present in the cell. Without oxygen, the cell shifts to anaerobic respiration (e.g., fermentation), bypassing the Krebs cycle entirely.
Step 5: Conclude that the Krebs cycle is an oxygen-dependent process, and its occurrence is contingent on the presence of oxygen in the cell.