In aerobic cellular respiration, which molecule serves as the primary energy carrier produced?

In aerobic cellular respiration, which molecule serves as the primary energy carrier produced?

• A. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
• B. NADH
• C. Glucose
• D. Carbon dioxide

Answer: (A)

ATP is the main energy currency produced in aerobic respiration. Cells use ATP to power most biological work, from muscle contraction to active transport and biosynthesis. NADH and FADH2 are high-energy electron carriers that shuttle electrons to the electron transport chain; their energy is ultimately used to synthesize ATP, rather than being used directly as the cell’s immediate energy source. Some ATP is made directly in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle (substrate-level phosphorylation), but the majority comes from oxidative phosphorylation driven by the electron carriers. Glucose serves as the fuel that is oxidized, and carbon dioxide is a waste product. So, ATP best fits the role of the primary energy carrier produced.

ATP is the main energy currency produced in aerobic respiration. Cells use ATP to power most biological work, from muscle contraction to active transport and biosynthesis. NADH and FADH2 are high-energy electron carriers that shuttle electrons to the electron transport chain; their energy is ultimately used to synthesize ATP, rather than being used directly as the cell’s immediate energy source. Some ATP is made directly in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle (substrate-level phosphorylation), but the majority comes from oxidative phosphorylation driven by the electron carriers. Glucose serves as the fuel that is oxidized, and carbon dioxide is a waste product. So, ATP best fits the role of the primary energy carrier produced.