Question

Inorganic phosphate is involved in which step of respiration?

• A. Glycolysis
• B. Krebs cycle
• C. Electron Transport System (ETS)
• D. Fermentation

Hint:

In glycolysis, inorganic phosphate (\( \mathrm{P_i} \)) is crucial for generating high-energy intermediates, particularly in the energy payoff phase.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Inorganic phosphate (\( \mathrm{P_i} \)) plays a crucial role in the process of glycolysis, particularly during the following steps: Step: Conversion of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate: In this reaction, an inorganic phosphate (\( \mathrm{P_i} \)) is added to G3P, catalyzed by the enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. This step is essential for producing high-energy intermediates, which eventually lead to ATP generation. Although inorganic phosphate is involved in other stages like the Krebs cycle and ETS indirectly, its direct involvement in adding to metabolic intermediates is specific to glycolysis.