Where does aerobic respiration primarily occur in eukaryotic cells?

• A. Chloroplasts
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Nucleus

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of aerobic respiration: Aerobic respiration is the process by which cells generate energy (ATP) using oxygen. It involves the breakdown of glucose and occurs in specific organelles within eukaryotic cells.
2. Identify the organelle responsible for aerobic respiration: In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are known as the 'powerhouses of the cell' because they are the primary site of ATP production through aerobic respiration.
3. Review the structure of mitochondria: Mitochondria have a double membrane structure. The inner membrane contains folds called cristae, which increase the surface area for reactions involved in aerobic respiration.
4. Understand the stages of aerobic respiration: Aerobic respiration includes glycolysis (occurs in the cytoplasm), the citric acid cycle (occurs in the mitochondrial matrix), and oxidative phosphorylation (occurs on the inner mitochondrial membrane). The mitochondria play a central role in the latter two stages.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis, not respiration. The cytoplasm is where glycolysis occurs, but it is not the primary site of aerobic respiration. The nucleus is involved in genetic information storage and regulation, not energy production. Therefore, the correct answer is mitochondria.