12. In the presence of oxygen, cells oxidize glucose completely to carbon dioxide and water according to the chemical equation:

Question

In the process, about 35 molecules of ATP are generated per molecule of glucose oxidized, so that some of the energy released by oxidation is recovered as usable chemical energy. The principal role of O2 in this process is to:

A. Accept electrons released by glucose oxidation, forming H2o
B. Supply the oxygen for CO2 production
C. React with glucose to cleave it into smaller fragments for further oxidation
D. Participate as a reactant in generation of ATP from ADP and Pi

Answer 1

The principal role of O2 in the process of glucose oxidation is:

A. Accept electrons released by glucose oxidation, forming H2O.

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration. As glucose is oxidized, electrons are transferred through a series of carriers and ultimately accepted by oxygen, which combines with protons (H+) to form water (H2O). This process is crucial for the continuation of the electron transport chain and the generation of ATP.