Two nutrient solutions are maintained at the same pH. Actively respiring mitochondria are isolated and placed into each of the t

Question

4 months ago

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Two nutrient solutions are maintained at the same pH. Actively respiring mitochondria are isolated and placed into each of the t

wo solutions. Oxygen gas is bubbled into one solution. The other solution is depleted of available oxygen. Which of the following best explains why ATP production is greater in the tube with oxygen than in the tube without oxygen?
A. The rate of proton pumping across the inner mitochondrial membrane is lower in the sample without oxygen. B. Electron transport is reduced in the absence of a plasma membrane. C. In the absence of oxygen, oxidative phosphorylation produces more ATP than does fermentation. D. In the presence of oxygen, glycolysis produces more ATP than in the absence of oxygen.

Was told the answer is A. but i need help justifying that and why it is not D

Biology

1 answer:

enyata [2.5K] · Answer 1 · 2026-02-24T14:27:26+03:00

Answer:

Explanation:

Option A is the right choice because the energy derived from electrons within oxygen facilitates the H+ pumping process (along with NADH electrons). The reason D is incorrect is that glycolysis can occur both with and without oxygen, and it does not require O2, making it consistent across both conditions. The difference lies in the processes following glycolysis, which are influenced by the presence or absence of oxygen (such as oxidative phosphorylation vs. fermentation).