Question

Which of the following is(are) COMMON feature(s) for both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures?

• A. Glycolysis
• B. NAD\(^+\) is the oxidising agent
• C. Oxidative phosphorylation
• D. Two net ATP molecules formed per glucose molecule

Hint:

Glycolysis and NAD\(^+\) reduction occur in all cells; oxidative phosphorylation does \textit{not}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria break down glucose, but differ in their final electron acceptors.
1. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of all organisms and does not require oxygen. Thus (A) is correct.
2. NAD\(^+\) as oxidising agent: In glycolysis, NAD\(^+\) accepts electrons to form NADH in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Thus (B) is correct.
3. Oxidative phosphorylation requires an electron transport chain and oxygen (or alternative terminal acceptor). Anaerobic fermentative bacteria do not use oxidative phosphorylation. Thus (C) is not common.
4. Net ATP per glucose: Aerobic respiration produces far more than 2 ATP; anaerobic fermentation yields only 2 ATP. Thus (D) is not common.