Question

What’s the primary function of oxygen in aerobic respiration?

a. to give short bursts of energy to muscle cells
b. to donate electrons to all other particles within cellular respiration
c. to act as a receptor for carbon dioxide molecules

Answer 1

Oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration, essential for generating ATP and regenerating NAD* necessary for continuous cellular metabolism. Therefore , the correct answer options is c)

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary function of oxygen in aerobic respiration is to act as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. This process allows for the transfer of electrons from carbohydrates, through NADH and FADH₂, down the electron transport chain to oxygen, facilitating the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Oxygen's role is crucial for generating the proton motive force that drives ATP production and also for regenerating NAD*, which is essential for continuous glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, thereby sustaining cellular function.