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Multiple Choice
During which stage of cellular respiration is the majority of carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) produced?
A
Electron transport chain
B
Glycolysis
C
Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle)
D
Fermentation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of cellular respiration, which consists of three main stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain. Fermentation is an alternative pathway under anaerobic conditions.
Recall that carbon dioxide ($\mathrm{CO_2}$) is produced during the breakdown of glucose and other molecules. This occurs when carbon atoms are removed from molecules as part of metabolic reactions.
Review glycolysis: This stage occurs in the cytoplasm and breaks glucose into two pyruvate molecules. No $\mathrm{CO_2}$ is produced during glycolysis.
Examine the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle): This stage occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. Pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA, which enters the cycle. During the cycle, multiple decarboxylation reactions occur, releasing $\mathrm{CO_2}$ as a byproduct. This is the stage where the majority of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ is produced.
Consider the electron transport chain: This stage occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane and involves the transfer of electrons to produce ATP. No $\mathrm{CO_2}$ is produced during this stage.