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Multiple Choice
Which stage of aerobic respiration produces the majority of the ATP yield?
A
Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation
B
Glycolysis
C
Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)
D
Fermentation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of aerobic respiration, which consists of three main stages: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and the electron transport chain coupled with oxidative phosphorylation.
Recall that glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH. This stage is not the primary source of ATP in aerobic respiration.
Learn that the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and generates electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) and a small amount of ATP. While important, this stage does not produce the majority of ATP.
Understand that the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation occur in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Electrons from NADH and FADH2 are transferred through protein complexes, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase. This stage produces the majority of ATP in aerobic respiration.
Recognize that fermentation is an anaerobic process and does not contribute to the ATP yield in aerobic respiration. It is used when oxygen is unavailable and produces minimal ATP compared to aerobic pathways.