Which of the following best describes the primary difference between aerobic and anaerobic processes in cellular respiration?

• A. Aerobic processes require oxygen, while anaerobic processes do not.
• B. Aerobic processes occur only in the cytoplasm, while anaerobic processes occur in the mitochondria.
• C. Anaerobic processes produce more ATP than aerobic processes.
• D. Anaerobic processes use carbon dioxide as a final electron acceptor, while aerobic processes use water.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the key terms 'aerobic' and 'anaerobic' in the context of cellular respiration. Aerobic processes require oxygen to proceed, while anaerobic processes do not rely on oxygen.
2. Step 2: Recall the locations where these processes occur. Aerobic respiration primarily takes place in the mitochondria, while anaerobic respiration occurs in the cytoplasm.
3. Step 3: Compare the ATP yield of both processes. Aerobic respiration produces significantly more ATP (approximately 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule) compared to anaerobic respiration, which typically yields only 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
4. Step 4: Examine the final electron acceptors in each process. In aerobic respiration, oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, forming water. In anaerobic respiration, the final electron acceptor varies depending on the organism and pathway, but it is not oxygen (e.g., pyruvate in lactic acid fermentation or other molecules in alcoholic fermentation).
5. Step 5: Evaluate the given options based on the above clarifications. The correct answer is the one that accurately describes the primary difference: 'Aerobic processes require oxygen, while anaerobic processes do not.'