Maximum production of ATP in cellular respiration requires which molecule to act as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain?

• A. Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\))
• B. Glucose
• C. NADH
• D. Oxygen (\(O_2\))

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of cellular respiration, which includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. The electron transport chain is the final stage where most ATP is produced.
2. Learn that the electron transport chain is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and involves a series of protein complexes that transfer electrons from electron carriers like NADH and FADH2.
3. Recognize that as electrons move through the chain, they release energy that is used to pump protons (\(H^+\)) across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient essential for ATP synthesis.
4. Understand the role of the final electron acceptor: Oxygen (\(O_2\)) is required to accept electrons at the end of the chain. Without oxygen, the chain cannot function, and ATP production halts.
5. Conclude that oxygen (\(O_2\)) is the molecule that acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, enabling maximum ATP production during cellular respiration.