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Multiple Choice
In the context of aerobic respiration, what is produced when the final electron is accepted by oxygen?
A
ATP
B
Water (H2O)
C
NADH
D
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of oxygen in aerobic respiration: Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, a crucial step in cellular respiration.
Recognize the process: As electrons are transferred through the electron transport chain, they eventually reach oxygen, which is the most electronegative element in the chain.
Identify the reaction: When oxygen accepts electrons, it combines with protons (H+) to form water. This is a reduction reaction where oxygen is reduced to water.
Chemical equation: The reaction can be represented as \( \text{O}_2 + 4\text{e}^- + 4\text{H}^+ \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \). This shows that molecular oxygen (\( \text{O}_2 \)) accepts electrons and protons to form water (\( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)).
Conclusion: The production of water is a key outcome of the electron transport chain, highlighting the role of oxygen as the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration.