Misconception in Energy Yield of Aerobic Respiration

Steps:

• Recall aerobic respiration: glucose breakdown with oxygen, yielding CO2, H2O, and ~38 ATP per glucose.
• Check A: confirmed in mitochondria of plant and animal cells.
• Check B: contradicts fact that aerobic yields more energy than anaerobic's ~2 ATP.
• Check C and D: oxygen is essential, and products are CO2 + H2O.

Why B is correct:

• Aerobic respiration produces more energy (C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + 38 ATP) than anaerobic (e.g., 2 ATP from glycolysis alone).

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Aerobic respiration occurs in both plants (e.g., leaf cells) and animals (e.g., muscle cells).
• C: Oxygen acts as final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.
• D: Complete oxidation ends with CO2 and H2O as byproducts.

Final answer: B