The primary role of oxygen in cellular respiration is to
A) yield energy in the form of ATP as it is passed down the respiratory chain.
B) act as an acceptor for electrons and hydrogen, forming water.
C) combine with carbon, forming CO₂.
D) combine with lactate, forming pyruvate.
E) catalyze the reactions of glycolysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, receiving electrons and hydrogen ions to form water. This process generates a gradient of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is used to produce ATP.

The Primary Role of Oxygen in Cellular Respiration Is to