Which process occurs within the mitochondria? A.) lactic acid fermentation B.) alcohol fermentation C.) glycolysis D.) Krebs cycle
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D.) Krebs cycle
Explanation:
The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is a crucial part of cellular respiration that occurs within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. This cycle plays a central role in the metabolic pathway by which all aerobic organisms generate energy. It is the second major step of cellular respiration, following glycolysis, and it precedes the electron transport chain.
The mitochondria are often called the “powerhouse” of the cell because they are the site where most of the cell’s adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—its main energy currency—is produced. The Krebs cycle begins when acetyl-CoA, derived from pyruvate (a product of glycolysis), enters the cycle. Through a series of enzyme-catalyzed steps, the acetyl group is oxidized, and in the process, high-energy electron carriers—NADH and FADH₂—are produced. These electron carriers later donate electrons to the electron transport chain, which also occurs in the mitochondria and leads to the production of large amounts of ATP.
The by-products of the Krebs cycle include carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is exhaled, and ATP, which is used by the cell for various functions. In contrast, glycolysis (option C) takes place in the cytoplasm, not the mitochondria. Both lactic acid fermentation (option A) and alcohol fermentation (option B) are anaerobic processes that also occur in the cytoplasm, primarily in certain bacteria, yeast, and muscle cells under oxygen-limited conditions.
Therefore, among the given options, only the Krebs cycle occurs within the mitochondria, making it the correct choice. It is essential for efficient energy production in the presence of oxygen.
