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, which allows for the generation of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. As oxygen accepts electrons and hydrogen ions, it combines with them to form water. This is a crucial step in cellular respiration, as it allows for the recycling of electrons and hydrogen ions to continue generating ATP.

The Primary Role of Oxygen in Cellular Respiration Is to ________