Question

most atp is generated in the mitochondria, which require oxygen as the final electron acceptor. in the presence of oxygen, pyruvate enters the mitochondria and is oxidized by aerobic respiration. what are the two principal steps in which this occurs? a. glycogenesis & glycogenolysis b. atp synthase & chemiosmotic mechanism c. matrix reactions & membrane reactions d. priming & oxidation

Explanation:

In aerobic respiration in mitochondria, the key steps for ATP - generation are the electron - transport chain which creates a proton gradient, and then ATP synthase uses this gradient to synthesize ATP through chemiosmosis. Glycogenesis and glycogenolysis are related to glycogen metabolism, not directly to ATP production in mitochondria. Matrix reactions are part of the overall process but not the two principal steps. Priming and oxidation are steps in other metabolic pathways like glycolysis.

Answer:

B. ATP synthase & chemiosmotic mechanism