Which of the following statements about anaerobic cellular respiration is FALSE?
A: It yields more ATP than fermentation. B: The Krebs cycle is utilized. C: It involves glycolysis only. D: It regenerates ATP. E: It requires electron transport.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C: It involves glycolysis only.
Explanation:
Anaerobic cellular respiration refers to the process in which cells generate energy (ATP) without the presence of oxygen. It is less efficient than aerobic respiration, which requires oxygen. Here’s a breakdown of the statements:
- A: It yields more ATP than fermentation – This is true. Anaerobic cellular respiration, specifically when using processes like anaerobic glycolysis, produces more ATP than fermentation. However, it is still less efficient than aerobic respiration, which generates significantly more ATP.
- B: The Krebs cycle is utilized – This is partially true, but only for some anaerobic processes. In anaerobic conditions, cells can use a modified version of the Krebs cycle (the citric acid cycle), but this cycle is more common in aerobic respiration. So, while the Krebs cycle is mainly associated with aerobic respiration, some anaerobic pathways can also use it.
- C: It involves glycolysis only – This is false. Anaerobic respiration involves more than just glycolysis. While glycolysis is a key part of the process, it is followed by other processes like fermentation or the use of an alternative electron acceptor, depending on the organism. Glycolysis alone does not fully explain anaerobic respiration.
- D: It regenerates ATP – This is true. The purpose of anaerobic respiration is to regenerate ATP. Despite the absence of oxygen, the process still provides energy, although far less than in aerobic respiration.
- E: It requires electron transport – This statement is true to some extent. Some anaerobic pathways do involve electron transport chains (ETCs), but instead of oxygen as the final electron acceptor, other molecules like sulfate or nitrate are used in certain organisms. This makes it similar to aerobic respiration in some ways but without oxygen.
In conclusion, C: It involves glycolysis only is the false statement because anaerobic respiration includes more than just glycolysis.