Final answer:
Electron acceptors have a significant role in metabolic pathways as they receive high-energy electrons from NADH or FADH2 and transfer them through redox reactions, resulting in ATP production and water formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In metabolic pathways, electron acceptors play a crucial role in the process of cellular respiration. In aerobic respiration, oxygen is the final electron acceptor, while in anaerobic respiration, organic or inorganic molecules serve as electron acceptors. These acceptors receive the high-energy electrons from NADH or FADH2 and are responsible for transferring the electrons through a series of redox reactions, generating ATP and water as end products. The electron acceptor molecules are essential in maintaining the balance of electron transfer and ATP production in metabolic pathways.