Though we say that aerobic respiration uses oxygen, none of the pathways (glycolysis, Krebs cycle) directly utilize it. Where is oxygen used?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
Oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor in the Electron Transport System (ETS). At the end of the chain, oxygen combines with electrons and protons (H⁺) to form water (H₂O).
Reaction:
½O₂ + 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂O
This step is crucial; without oxygen, the entire ETS halts, and aerobic respiration cannot proceed.
Suggested Q&A
General · Class 12- GeneralClass 12Electric Field at Centre of Ring with Non-Uniform Charge Distribution. Four quadrants carry linear charge densities: +2λ, −2λ, +λ, −λ. Find electric field at centre.
- GeneralClass 12P°(hexane) = 408 Torr, P°(heptane) = 141 Torr. x(hexane) = 0.300. Find Y₆ and Y₇.
- GeneralClass 122N₂O₅(g) → 4NO₂(g) + O₂(g). Initial P = 50 mmHg; P at 30 min = 87.5 mmHg. Find P at 60 min.
- GeneralClass 12What is the difference between psychosis and neurosis?
- GeneralClass 12What is the difference between prism and a pyramid?
- GeneralClass 12What is the difference between phrase and clause?