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MCAT Biology Question — Metabolic Energy

The production of which of the following molecules will cease when oxygen is no longer supplied to the cell?

  1. Pyruvate
  2. Water
  3. Adenosine triphosphate
  4. None of the above
Explanation

Oxygen is necessary to aerobic respiration in mitochondria, as oxygen is the final electron acceptor of the electron transport chain. However, each of the products listed can be produced via anaerobic respiration.

a) Incorrect: Pyruvate is a product of glycolysis and can be converted into lactic acid via anaerobic pathways.

b) Incorrect: Water is a product of glycolysis, as well as other metabolic pathways. 

c) Incorrect: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a product of glycolysis

d) Correct: None of the above will cease being produced.

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