Which of the following is a distinction between cellular respiration and fermentation? a. the transfer of from intermediate substrates to ADP b. the movement of H+ across a membrane down its concentration gradient c. the splitting of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate d. electrons moving through the electron transport chain

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key processes involved in cellular respiration and fermentation.
2. Understand that cellular respiration involves the electron transport chain, while fermentation does not.
3. Recognize that fermentation occurs in the absence of oxygen, whereas cellular respiration requires oxygen.
4. Consider the role of the electron transport chain in creating a proton gradient and its absence in fermentation.
5. Determine which option specifically highlights a process unique to cellular respiration, such as the electron transport chain.

Key Concepts

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. It involves several stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, where electrons are transferred through an electron transport chain, generating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Fermentation

Fermentation is an anaerobic process that allows cells to generate energy without oxygen. It occurs after glycolysis when oxygen is not available, resulting in the conversion of pyruvate into lactic acid or ethanol, depending on the organism. This process yields less ATP compared to cellular respiration but enables continued ATP production in low-oxygen environments.

Electron Transport Chain

The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that facilitate the transfer of electrons derived from NADH and FADH2. As electrons move through the chain, they release energy used to pump protons (H+) across the membrane, creating a gradient that drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase, a key feature of aerobic respiration.