Which gas do cells use for respiration?

Which gas do cells use for respiration?

• A. Carbon dioxide
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Oxygen
• D. Methane

Answer: (C)

Oxygen is the gas used in cellular respiration to drive energy production. In the mitochondria, it serves as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. As electrons pass along this chain, a proton gradient is created that powers ATP synthase to convert ADP into ATP. Oxygen accepts the electrons and combines with protons to form water, a harmless byproduct. This setup lets cells extract much more energy from glucose than other pathways. Carbon dioxide is a waste product, not a energy source. Nitrogen and methane aren’t used by most cells to power respiration. If oxygen isn’t available, cells can use anaerobic processes, but they yield far less ATP.

Oxygen is the gas used in cellular respiration to drive energy production. In the mitochondria, it serves as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain. As electrons pass along this chain, a proton gradient is created that powers ATP synthase to convert ADP into ATP. Oxygen accepts the electrons and combines with protons to form water, a harmless byproduct. This setup lets cells extract much more energy from glucose than other pathways. Carbon dioxide is a waste product, not a energy source. Nitrogen and methane aren’t used by most cells to power respiration. If oxygen isn’t available, cells can use anaerobic processes, but they yield far less ATP.