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Multiple Choice
During which of the following processes is ATP produced?
A
Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)
B
Glycolysis
C
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
D
Transcription
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the processes listed in the problem. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of the cell, and its production is a key feature of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and the electron transport chain coupled with oxidative phosphorylation.
Step 2: Analyze glycolysis. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate. During this process, ATP is produced directly through substrate-level phosphorylation. This is one of the pathways where ATP is generated.
Step 3: Examine the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle). This cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and generates high-energy electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) that are used later in the electron transport chain. While ATP is produced in small amounts via substrate-level phosphorylation during this cycle, its main role is to provide electron carriers for further ATP production.
Step 4: Investigate the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. This process occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Electrons from NADH and FADH2 are transferred through protein complexes, creating a proton gradient. ATP is then synthesized by ATP synthase as protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix, a process called chemiosmosis.
Step 5: Clarify transcription. Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. It does not involve ATP production as it is not part of cellular respiration. Therefore, transcription is not a correct answer to the question.