Which of the following statements about aerobic respiration is correct?

• A. Aerobic respiration occurs only in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
• B. Aerobic respiration produces lactic acid as its main end product.
• C. The final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration is carbon dioxide.
• D. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more ATP than anaerobic respiration.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration is a metabolic process in which cells use oxygen to convert glucose into energy (ATP). It occurs in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.
2. Step 2: Analyze the incorrect statements provided in the question. For example, aerobic respiration does not occur only in the cytoplasm; it primarily takes place in the mitochondria after glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm. Additionally, lactic acid is produced during anaerobic respiration, not aerobic respiration.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the role of the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration. The final electron acceptor is oxygen, not carbon dioxide. Oxygen combines with electrons and hydrogen ions to form water at the end of the electron transport chain.
4. Step 4: Compare aerobic respiration to anaerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces significantly more ATP (approximately 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule) compared to anaerobic respiration, which produces only 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more ATP than anaerobic respiration,' as this accurately describes the process and its advantages over anaerobic respiration.