The final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration is ________.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of aerobic respiration, which involves the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce energy.
2. Identify the stages of aerobic respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle), and Electron Transport Chain (ETC).
3. Focus on the Electron Transport Chain, where electrons are transferred through a series of proteins embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
4. Recognize that the role of the final electron acceptor is to receive electrons at the end of the Electron Transport Chain.
5. Recall that in aerobic respiration, the final electron acceptor is a molecule that combines with electrons and protons to form water.

Key Concepts

Aerobic Respiration

Aerobic respiration is a metabolic process in which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This process occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and involves a series of reactions, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. It is essential for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Electron Transport Chain

The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that facilitate the transfer of electrons derived from NADH and FADH2. As electrons move through the chain, they release energy used to pump protons across the membrane, creating a proton gradient. This gradient drives ATP synthesis and is crucial for efficient energy production.

Final Electron Acceptor

In aerobic respiration, the final electron acceptor is oxygen (O2). At the end of the electron transport chain, oxygen combines with electrons and protons to form water. This step is vital because it allows the electron transport chain to continue functioning, enabling the production of ATP and preventing the backup of electrons, which would halt cellular respiration.