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In Biology / College | 2025-07-04

The final electron acceptor of aerobic cellular respiration is:
A. $CO _2$
B. NADH
C. oxygen
D. water
E. $FADH _2$

Asked by toccaraoooooo

Answer (2)

The final electron acceptor of aerobic cellular respiration is oxygen, which accepts electrons at the end of the electron transport chain and combines with protons to form water. This process is vital for producing ATP and completing cellular respiration. Thus, the correct answer to the question is option C: oxygen.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-04

Aerobic cellular respiration involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
The electron transport chain (ETC) is the final stage.
Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the ETC.
Oxygen combines with electrons and hydrogen ions to form water, completing the process. The final electron acceptor is o x y g e n ​ .

Explanation

Understanding Cellular Respiration Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the form of ATP. Aerobic cellular respiration requires oxygen. The process involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

The Electron Transport Chain The electron transport chain (ETC) is the final stage of aerobic cellular respiration. In the ETC, electrons are passed from one molecule to another, releasing energy that is used to pump protons across a membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient.

The Role of Oxygen At the end of the electron transport chain, the final electron acceptor is oxygen. Oxygen accepts the electrons and combines with hydrogen ions to form water.

Conclusion Therefore, the final electron acceptor of aerobic cellular respiration is oxygen.


Examples
Understanding the final electron acceptor in cellular respiration is crucial in various fields. For example, in medicine, it helps understand how certain drugs or toxins can disrupt the electron transport chain, leading to cellular damage. In environmental science, it helps understand how microorganisms in different environments utilize different electron acceptors, affecting biogeochemical cycles. In sports science, it helps understand how oxygen availability affects energy production during exercise.

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-04