Question

Which of the following is the terminal electron acceptor in the electron transport chain of aerobic respiration?

• A. Water
• B. NADH
• C. O\(_2\)
• D. Cytochrome-c

Hint:

Oxygen is the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration and combines with electrons and protons to form water, which allows ATP production to continue.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In aerobic respiration, the terminal electron acceptor in the electron transport chain is oxygen (O\(_2\)).

The process of aerobic respiration involves the transfer of electrons through a series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
At the end of the electron transport chain, oxygen (O\(_2\)) accepts the electrons and combines with protons (H\(^+\)) to form water (H\(_2\)O).
This is a crucial step as it allows the continuation of the electron transport chain, enabling ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.

- NADH (B) is an electron carrier that donates electrons earlier in the chain but is not the terminal acceptor.
- Water (A) is the product formed when oxygen accepts electrons, but it is not the electron acceptor itself.
- Cytochrome-c (D) is a carrier molecule that helps transfer electrons within the electron transport chain but does not act as the terminal acceptor.

Therefore, the correct terminal electron acceptor is oxygen (O\(_2\)), which accepts the electrons at the end of the chain.

Final Answer:

\[ \boxed{(C)\; O_2} \]