AP BIOLOGY

CELL RESPIRATION

OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The primary role of oxygen in cellular respiration is to
A
yield energy in the form of ATP as it is passed down the respiratory chain.
B
act as an acceptor for electrons and hydrogen, forming water.
C
combine with carbon, forming CO2.
D
combine with lactate, forming pyruvate.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -It serves as the final electron acceptor of the electron transport chain facilitating the movement of electrons down the chain hence producing the ATP or adenosine triphosphate. Oxygen combines with the electrons and the hydrogen ions to form water which is a byproduct of the process.

Detailed explanation-2: -Explanation: Oxygen serves as the terminal electron acceptor for the electron transport chain. Electrons are donated by NADH molecules and passed through several different proteins to generate the proton gradient in the intermembrane space.

Detailed explanation-3: -Oxygen is the terminal electron acceptor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and therefore is required for the generation of energy through oxidative phosphorylation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Each ETS complex has a different redox potential, and electrons move from electron carriers with more negative redox potential to those with more positive redox potential. To carry out aerobic respiration, a cell requires oxygen as the final electron acceptor.

Detailed explanation-5: -Stage 3–Electron Transport Chain In the final stage of cellular respiration, oxygen combines with the electrons and protons to form water.

There is 1 question to complete.