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Multiple Choice
Molecular oxygen ($O_2$) has what role in aerobic cellular respiration?
A
It acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.
B
It is used to break down glucose during glycolysis.
C
It donates electrons to NADH during the Krebs cycle.
D
It is converted directly into ATP during oxidative phosphorylation.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of aerobic cellular respiration, which includes glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Molecular oxygen ($O_2$) plays a critical role in the final stage, oxidative phosphorylation.
Learn about the electron transport chain (ETC), where electrons are transferred through a series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This process generates a proton gradient used to produce ATP.
Recognize that molecular oxygen ($O_2$) acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. It combines with electrons and protons to form water ($H_2O$), ensuring the continuation of the ETC.
Clarify that $O_2$ is not directly involved in glycolysis, as glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen. It is also not converted directly into ATP during oxidative phosphorylation; instead, ATP is synthesized by ATP synthase using the proton gradient.
Understand that $O_2$ does not donate electrons to NADH during the Krebs cycle. NADH is produced during the Krebs cycle and donates electrons to the electron transport chain, where $O_2$ accepts them at the end.