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Ch. 9 - Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
Campbell - Campbell Biology 12th Edition
Urry12th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9785794169850Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksUrry 12th EditionCh. 9 - Cellular Respiration and FermentationProblem 3
Chapter 9, Problem 3

The final electron acceptor of the electron transport chain that functions in aerobic oxidative phosphorylation is
a. Oxygen.
b. Water.
c. NAD+.
d. Pyruvate.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfers electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions.
Identify the process: Aerobic oxidative phosphorylation is the process by which cells generate ATP using oxygen as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.
Recognize the role of oxygen: Oxygen is crucial in this process because it accepts electrons at the end of the electron transport chain, allowing the chain to continue functioning and ATP to be produced.
Consider the options: Evaluate each option given in the problem. Oxygen (a) is known to be the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration. Water (b) is a product formed when oxygen accepts electrons and combines with protons. NAD+ (c) is an electron carrier, not an acceptor. Pyruvate (d) is involved in glycolysis, not the electron transport chain.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the understanding of aerobic oxidative phosphorylation, oxygen is the final electron acceptor, allowing the electron transport chain to function efficiently and produce ATP.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electron Transport Chain

The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It functions to transfer electrons from electron donors like NADH and FADH2 to electron acceptors through redox reactions, ultimately driving the synthesis of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
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Aerobic Oxidative Phosphorylation

Aerobic oxidative phosphorylation is the process by which cells generate ATP using oxygen as the final electron acceptor. This occurs in the mitochondria, where the electron transport chain facilitates the transfer of electrons to oxygen, forming water and enabling ATP production through chemiosmosis.
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Final Electron Acceptor

In the context of the electron transport chain, the final electron acceptor is the molecule that receives electrons at the end of the chain. In aerobic respiration, oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor, allowing the formation of water and the continuation of ATP synthesis.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The immediate energy source that drives ATP synthesis by ATP synthase during oxidative phosphorylation is the

a. Oxidation of glucose and other organic compounds.

b. Flow of electrons down the electron transport chain.

c. H+ concentration gradient across the membrane holding ATP synthase.

d. Transfer of phosphate to ADP.

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Textbook Question

Which metabolic pathway is common to both fermentation and cellular respiration of a glucose molecule?

a. The citric acid cycle

b. The electron transport chain

c. Glycolysis

d. Reduction of pyruvate to lactate

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Textbook Question

In mitochondria, exergonic redox reactions

a. Are the source of energy driving prokaryotic ATP synthesis.

b. Provide the energy that establishes the proton gradient.

c. Reduce carbon atoms to carbon dioxide.

d. Are coupled via phosphorylated intermediates to endergonic processes.

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Textbook Question

What is the oxidizing agent in the following reaction?

Pyruvate + NADH + H+ → Lactate + NAD+

a. Oxygen

b. NADH

c. Lactate

d. Pyruvate

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Textbook Question

When electrons flow along the electron transport chains of mitochondria, which of the following changes occurs?

a. The pH of the matrix increases.

b. ATP synthase pumps protons by active transport.

c. The electrons gain free energy.

d. NAD+ is oxidized.

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