Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Why is the electron transport chain considered an aerobic process in cellular respiration?
A
It produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
B
It requires oxygen as the final electron acceptor.
C
It occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.
D
It generates ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the role 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 located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Recognize that the electron transport chain is considered an aerobic process because it requires oxygen. Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the chain, allowing the electrons to move through the complexes and ultimately combine with protons to form water.
Explain why oxygen is crucial in the ETC. Without oxygen, the electrons would not have a final destination, causing the chain to halt and preventing the production of ATP.
Differentiate the ETC from other processes in cellular respiration, such as glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, which can occur anaerobically. The ETC is unique in its dependency on oxygen.
Conclude by emphasizing the importance of oxygen in the ETC for efficient ATP production. The presence of oxygen allows for oxidative phosphorylation, which is a more efficient way to generate ATP compared to substrate-level phosphorylation.