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Quizzes > Science > Biology

Take the Cellular Respiration Quiz - Test Your ATP Knowledge!

Ready to prove how many ATP molecules aerobic respiration generates? Take the challenge now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of a cell producing ATP glycolysis and Krebs cycle elements on a sky blue background for quiz

Are you ready to power up your biology know-how? Jump into our cellular respiration quiz and challenge yourself on ATP production in cellular respiration, from the energy payoff of glycolysis to the full aerobic yield. Guess how aerobic cellular respiration generates about ______ ATP from one glucose and test your mastery with a fun cellular respiration steps quiz. Explore glycolysis and Krebs cycle trivia while honing your skills. Perfect for students and science buffs alike, this free quiz will sharpen your understanding and boost your confidence. Dive in now - start with our 6 questions about cellular respiration or amp up your challenge with our Glycolysis Quiz !

Where in the cell does glycolysis occur?
Intermembrane space
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondrial matrix
Cytosol
Glycolysis is the enzymatic breakdown of glucose into pyruvate and it takes place in the cytosol of the cell. It does not occur in the mitochondria or other organelles. This location allows rapid regulation of glucose metabolism. Wikipedia: Glycolysis
What is the net ATP yield from glycolysis per glucose molecule?
4 ATP
3 ATP
2 ATP
1 ATP
Glycolysis consumes 2 ATP in its preparatory phase and produces 4 ATP in its payoff phase, giving a net yield of 2 ATP per glucose. It also produces 2 NADH and 2 pyruvate molecules. This is foundational knowledge in bioenergetics. Wikipedia: Glycolysis Energy Payoff Phase
Which molecule serves as the final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration?
FAD
Oxygen
NAD+
Water
In aerobic respiration, oxygen accepts electrons at the end of the electron transport chain, forming water. Without oxygen, the chain backs up and ATP production halts. This is why oxygen is essential for high-yield energy production. Wikipedia: Electron Transport Chain
Which molecule carries acetyl groups into the Krebs cycle?
Acetyl-CoA
Citrate
Succinate
Oxaloacetate
Acetyl-CoA is formed from pyruvate in the link reaction and donates its acetyl group to oxaloacetate to form citrate in the Krebs cycle. It is central to aerobic metabolism. Wikipedia: Acetyl-CoA
In the link reaction, how many CO2 molecules are released per glucose molecule?
1
6
4
2
Each glucose yields two pyruvate molecules, and the conversion of each pyruvate to acetyl-CoA releases one CO2. Therefore, two CO2 molecules are produced per glucose. Wikipedia: Pyruvate Dehydrogenase
Where in the mitochondrion does the Krebs cycle take place?
Intermembrane space
Cytosol
Inner mitochondrial membrane
Mitochondrial matrix
The enzymes for the Krebs cycle are located in the mitochondrial matrix. This compartmentalization enables efficient transfer of NADH and FADH2 to the electron transport chain. Wikipedia: Citric Acid Cycle Location
Which stage of cellular respiration produces no ATP directly?
Glycolysis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain
Fermentation
The electron transport chain itself does not produce ATP directly; it establishes a proton gradient. ATP is synthesized by ATP synthase as protons flow back into the matrix during chemiosmosis. Wikipedia: Chemiosmosis
How many NADH molecules are produced per glucose molecule in the Krebs cycle?
6
4
2
3
Each turn of the Krebs cycle yields three NADH molecules and each glucose produces two acetyl-CoA, so six NADH are generated per glucose. These NADH feed electrons into the electron transport chain. Wikipedia: Citric Acid Cycle
What is the total substrate-level phosphorylation ATP yield in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle per glucose molecule?
4 ATP
36 ATP
30 ATP
2 ATP
Glycolysis produces 2 ATP by substrate-level phosphorylation, and the Krebs cycle produces 2 more (as GTP) per glucose. The rest of the ATP comes from oxidative phosphorylation. Wikipedia: Substrate-level Phosphorylation
What term describes the movement of protons down their concentration gradient through ATP synthase?
Active transport
Chemiosmosis
Diffusion
Oxidation
Chemiosmosis is the process where protons flow through ATP synthase driven by the proton motive force. This flow provides the energy to synthesize ATP from ADP and Pi. Wikipedia: Chemiosmosis
Approximately how many ATP are produced from one NADH molecule during oxidative phosphorylation?
2.5 ATP
1 ATP
1.5 ATP
3 ATP
The P/O ratio for NADH is generally accepted as 2.5 ATP per NADH oxidized in mammalian mitochondria. This value accounts for proton leak and transport costs. Wikipedia: P/O ratio
Which shuttle system transports NADH equivalents into mitochondria in heart and liver cells?
Glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle
Cori cycle
Alanine cycle
Malate - aspartate shuttle
The malate - aspartate shuttle moves reducing equivalents from cytosolic NADH into the mitochondrial matrix, preserving the high P/O ratio. It is predominant in heart and liver. Wikipedia: Malate - aspartate shuttle
Which inhibitor binds to cytochrome c oxidase and prevents electrons from reducing oxygen?
Antimycin A
Oligomycin
Rotenone
Cyanide
Cyanide binds to the iron center of cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV), blocking electron transfer to oxygen and halting ATP production. It is a potent inhibitor leading to rapid cellular arrest. Wikipedia: Cyanide mechanism
Which enzyme directly generates GTP in the Krebs cycle?
?-Ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
Citrate synthase
Succinyl-CoA synthetase
Malate dehydrogenase
Succinyl-CoA synthetase catalyzes the conversion of succinyl-CoA to succinate, coupled with GTP formation. This is the only substrate-level phosphorylation step in the Krebs cycle. Wikipedia: Succinyl-CoA synthetase
What is the primary function of the electron transport chain?
To convert FADH2 back to FAD
To produce CO2
To synthesize ATP directly
To pump protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane
The electron transport chain transfers electrons through complexes I - IV, using the released energy to pump protons into the intermembrane space. This creates the proton motive force for ATP synthase. Wikipedia: Electron Transport Chain
Which complex of the electron transport chain oxidizes NADH?
Complex IV
Complex I
Complex III
Complex II
Complex I, or NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, accepts electrons from NADH and passes them to ubiquinone. It contributes to the proton gradient by pumping protons. Wikipedia: Complex I
What is the P/O ratio for FADH? in most textbooks?
2.5 ATP
1.5 ATP
3 ATP
1 ATP
FADH? donates electrons at Complex II, which does not pump protons, resulting in a lower P/O ratio of about 1.5 ATP per FADH? oxidized. Wikipedia: P/O ratio
Which property of the inner mitochondrial membrane is essential for oxidative phosphorylation?
Presence of ribosomes
Impermeability to protons
High permeability to ions
Fluidity similar to the plasma membrane
The inner membrane's impermeability to protons allows maintenance of the proton gradient. ATP synthase uses this gradient to drive ATP formation. Wikipedia: Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
How does uncoupling protein 1 (thermogenin) affect ATP production?
It increases proton pumping, raising ATP yield
It transports ADP into the matrix
It dissipates the proton gradient, reducing ATP yield
It blocks ATP synthase directly
Thermogenin provides a pathway for protons to re-enter the matrix without driving ATP synthase. This uncoupling generates heat at the expense of ATP production. Wikipedia: Uncoupling protein
Which transporter exchanges ADP and ATP across the inner mitochondrial membrane?
Citrate transporter
Adenine nucleotide translocase
Malate - ?-ketoglutarate transporter
Phosphate translocase
Adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) exports ATP to the cytosol and imports ADP into the matrix. This exchange is electroneutral and vital for energy distribution. Wikipedia: ANT
What is the main contributor to the proton motive force in mitochondria?
Oxygen tension
ATP concentration
NADH levels
Electrochemical gradient (?? and ?pH)
The proton motive force is composed of a chemical (?pH) and electrical (??) gradient across the inner membrane. Both components drive ATP synthesis. Wikipedia: Proton-motive force
Which reactive oxygen species is primarily produced by mitochondrial electron leak?
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
Superoxide (O2... - )
Hydroxyl radical (...OH)
Singlet oxygen (1O2)
Leakage of electrons, especially at Complex I, reduces oxygen partially forming superoxide. Superoxide dismutase then converts it to hydrogen peroxide. Wikipedia: Superoxide
What effect does oligomycin have on oxidative phosphorylation?
It inhibits ADP/ATP translocase
It uncouples proton gradient
It blocks electron flow at Complex I
It inhibits ATP synthase
Oligomycin binds the Fo subunit of ATP synthase, preventing proton flow and thus ATP synthesis. Electron transport continues briefly until the proton gradient becomes maximal. Wikipedia: Oligomycin
Which statement best describes the chemiosmotic hypothesis?
Electrons are directly attached to ATP synthase
Protons passively diffuse through the membrane bilayer
ATP synthesis is driven by a transmembrane proton gradient
ATP is made by substrate-level phosphorylation only
Peter Mitchell's chemiosmotic hypothesis states that electron transport creates a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase. No direct electron flow through ATP synthase is required. Wikipedia: Chemiosmotic hypothesis
Which change in mitochondrial pH is observed compared to the cytosol during active respiration?
Intermembrane space is alkaline
Matrix is more acidic than cytosol
pH is equal in both compartments
Matrix is more alkaline than cytosol
Proton pumping into the intermembrane space lowers its pH, making the matrix relatively more alkaline. This ?pH contributes to the proton motive force. Wikipedia: Proton-motive force
Which enzyme in the Krebs cycle is considered rate-limiting and highly regulated by the NADH/NAD? ratio?
Malate dehydrogenase
Isocitrate dehydrogenase
Succinate dehydrogenase
Citrate synthase
Isocitrate dehydrogenase is allosterically activated by ADP and inhibited by high NADH. It controls flux through the cycle. Wikipedia: Isocitrate dehydrogenase
How many ATP molecules are theoretically produced by complete oxidation of palmitate (C16) in mitochondria?
129 ATP
160 ATP
146 ATP
106 ATP
?-oxidation of palmitate yields 8 acetyl-CoA, 7 FADH?, and 7 NADH. Combined with their oxidation in the Krebs cycle, the theoretical total is 106 ATP. Wikipedia: ?-oxidation
What is the effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) on mitochondrial respiration?
Increases O? consumption but decreases ATP synthesis
Prevents NADH oxidation
Blocks electron transport at Complex III
Inhibits ATP synthase
DNP shuttles protons across the inner membrane, collapsing the proton gradient. Oxygen consumption increases as the chain works harder, but ATP synthesis falls. Wikipedia: DNP
Which subunit of ATP synthase rotates during ATP production?
? (alpha) subunit
? (gamma) subunit
c-ring
? (beta) subunit
The ? subunit rotates within the ???? hexamer, inducing conformational changes that synthesize ATP. The c-ring also rotates, driving the central stalk. Wikipedia: ATP synthase
Which concept describes how the enzyme's conformation changes drive ATP synthesis in the F1 sector?
Induced fit hypothesis
Cooperative binding
Michaelis - Menten kinetics
Binding change mechanism
The binding change mechanism proposes three ? subunit conformations - open, loose, and tight - that sequentially bind ADP + Pi, form ATP, and release it. Rotation of ? drives these changes. Wikipedia: Binding change mechanism
What would be the primary consequence of a mutation that prevents rotation of the ATP synthase ? subunit?
Proton pumping would increase
NADH production would cease
ATP synthesis would stop due to fixed ? conformations
Electron transport would reverse
Rotation of the ? subunit is essential for cycling ? subunit conformations that bind and release ATP. A fixed ? subunit would arrest this process, halting ATP synthesis. Wikipedia: ATP synthase
Under conditions of high membrane potential, how can reverse electron transport occur?
Electrons flow from ubiquinol back to NAD?, generating NADH
ATPase runs in reverse
Protons leak without ATP production
Electrons bypass Complex III
A strong proton motive force can drive electrons from ubiquinol to Complex I in reverse, reducing NAD? to NADH. This phenomenon is observed in some tissues under specific conditions. Wikipedia: Reverse electron transport
In brown adipose tissue, what specific role does uncoupling protein UCP1 play?
It transports fatty acids into the matrix
It dissipates the proton gradient to generate heat
It binds oxygen to prevent ROS formation
It enhances ATP yield per NADH
UCP1 provides a regulated proton leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane in brown fat, converting the energy of the proton motive force into heat instead of ATP. This enables non-shivering thermogenesis. Wikipedia: UCP1
Which experiment best confirmed the chemiosmotic hypothesis?
Inhibiting Complex II and observing ATP drop
ATP synthesis by vesicles with an artificial proton gradient
Tracking NADH fluorescence changes
Measuring CO? release in isolated mitochondria
Experiments using sealed vesicles with bacteriorhodopsin-driven proton pumps demonstrated ATP formation when a proton gradient was imposed. This provided direct proof of chemiosmosis. Wikipedia: Experimental proof
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Study Outcomes

  1. Calculate ATP Yield -

    Calculate how aerobic cellular respiration generates about 36 - 38 ATP from one glucose molecule by integrating glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

  2. Analyze Glycolysis and Krebs Cycle Trivia -

    Analyze glycolysis and Krebs cycle trivia to identify key enzymes, intermediate products, and how each stage contributes to overall ATP production in cellular respiration.

  3. Identify Electron Carriers -

    Identify the roles of NADH and FADH2 as electron carriers in the electron transport chain and their impact on ATP production in the cellular respiration quiz.

  4. Differentiate Respiration Types -

    Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic respiration processes, comparing their ATP yields and physiological significance during energy metabolism.

  5. Apply Knowledge to Cellular Respiration Steps Quiz -

    Apply your understanding of ATP production in cellular respiration to answer targeted questions in this free quiz, reinforcing core concepts with immediate feedback.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Glycolysis: ATP and NADH Net Gain -

    Glycolysis breaks down one glucose into two pyruvate molecules, yielding a net of 2 ATP and 2 NADH (Khan Academy). Key formula: Glucose + 2 NAD❺ + 2 ADP + 2 Pi → 2 Pyruvate + 2 NADH + 2 ATP. For a cellular respiration steps quiz, remember the four investment and payoff phases with the mnemonic "HEXoes HIP."

  2. Pyruvate Oxidation & Citric Acid Cycle Yields -

    During pyruvate oxidation and the Krebs cycle, each acetyl-CoA produces 3 NADH, 1 FADH₂, and 1 ATP via substrate-level phosphorylation (PubChem). Since glycolysis yields two pyruvate, totals double to 6 NADH, 2 FADH₂, and 2 ATP per glucose. Use "Some Citrate Is Kept Secretively Sunlit My Sexy Secrets Under New Pyramid" for fun glycolysis and Krebs cycle trivia.

  3. Oxidative Phosphorylation & Proton Motive Force -

    The electron transport chain transfers electrons from NADH and FADH₂ to oxygen, pumping protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane (Bioenergetics Textbook). ATP synthase harnesses this gradient to synthesize about 26 - 28 ATP, driving most ATP production in cellular respiration.

  4. Calculating Total ATP Production -

    Aerobic cellular respiration generates about 30 - 32 ATP from one glucose in eukaryotes, though classical texts often cite 36 - 38 ATP (Campbell Biology). In a cellular respiration quiz, multiply each NADH by 2.5 ATP and each FADH₂ by 1.5 ATP, then add ATP from glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to get the grand total.

  5. Mnemonics for Redox & Yield -

    Use "OIL RIG" (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain) to nail redox reactions in ATP production in cellular respiration. Map each NADH to ~2.5 ATP and each FADH₂ to ~1.5 ATP to simplify complex tallying. These memory aids will boost your confidence when tackling a cellular respiration quiz on ATP yield.

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