Which of the following correctly matches each stage of cellular respiration with its primary location in a eukaryotic cell?

• A. Glycolysis: mitochondrial matrix; Krebs cycle: cytoplasm; Electron transport chain: outer mitochondrial membrane
• B. Glycolysis: inner mitochondrial membrane; Krebs cycle: cytoplasm; Electron transport chain: mitochondrial matrix
• C. Glycolysis: cytoplasm; Krebs cycle: inner mitochondrial membrane; Electron transport chain: cytoplasm
• D. Glycolysis: cytoplasm; Krebs cycle: mitochondrial matrix; Electron transport chain: inner mitochondrial membrane

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of cellular respiration, which consists of three main stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain.
2. Recall the location of glycolysis: Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. This is where glucose is broken down into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.
3. Identify the location of the Krebs cycle: The Krebs cycle takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. This is the innermost compartment of the mitochondria, where pyruvate is further broken down to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2.
4. Determine the location of the electron transport chain: The electron transport chain is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This is where electrons are transferred through protein complexes, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.
5. Match each stage of cellular respiration with its correct location: Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, the Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, and the electron transport chain occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.