Question

What role does O₂ play in aerobic respiration?

• A. it combines with acetyl-CoA at the start of the Krebs cycle
• B. it is given off as a by-product during the oxidation of pyruvate
• C. it combines with H₂O to help drive the formation of ATP
• D. it is the final electron acceptor at the end of the electron transport chain

Answer 1

The correct option is D it is the final electron acceptor at the end of the electron transport chain

Cellular respiration, whether aerobic or anaerobic, is a metabolic process which converts nutrient energy into ATP and waste products.
Aerobic respiration uses the oxygen gathered during the process of anatomical respiration (or breathing) to facilitate ATP synthesis. In this role, oxygen is an electron acceptor within the electron transport chain which synthesizes ATP from nutrients.