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Multiple Choice
In cellular respiration, which molecule is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain?
A
Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)
B
Oxygen ($O_2$)
C
NADH
D
Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of the electron transport chain (ETC) in cellular respiration. The ETC is the final stage of cellular respiration, where electrons are transferred through a series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Step 2: Recall that the purpose of the ETC is to create a proton gradient by transferring electrons from electron carriers (like NADH and FADH2) to the complexes, ultimately driving ATP synthesis.
Step 3: Identify the role of the final electron acceptor. The ETC requires a molecule to accept electrons at the end of the chain to prevent the system from stalling. This molecule is reduced in the process.
Step 4: Analyze the options provided: Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) is a waste product of cellular respiration, not involved in the ETC; NADH is an electron donor, not an acceptor; Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) is the initial substrate for glycolysis, not part of the ETC.
Step 5: Recognize that Oxygen ($O_2$) is the correct answer. It acts as the final electron acceptor in the ETC, combining with electrons and protons to form water ($H_2O$), which is a byproduct of cellular respiration.