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Multiple Choice
What is the primary source of fuel for the body's cells during cellular respiration?
A
Amino acids
B
Fatty acids
C
Nucleotides
D
Glucose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of cellular respiration: Cellular respiration is a metabolic pathway that converts biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then releases waste products. It primarily occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
Identify the main stages of cellular respiration: The process includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation. Each stage plays a crucial role in energy production.
Recognize the role of glucose: Glucose is a simple sugar and is the primary molecule used in glycolysis, the first stage of cellular respiration. It is broken down into pyruvate, releasing energy that is used to form ATP.
Explore the fate of glucose in glycolysis: During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is converted into two molecules of pyruvate, with a net gain of two ATP molecules and two NADH molecules.
Connect glucose to the entire cellular respiration process: After glycolysis, pyruvate enters the mitochondria where it is further processed in the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, leading to the production of additional ATP. Glucose is thus the primary fuel for cellular respiration.