What do glycolysis, the Kreb's cycle/citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain have in common?
A the production of ATP***
B the process of trapping solar energy
C occurrence of each within mitochondria
D the process of breaking down sugar molecules
correct
The correct answer is D: the process of breaking down sugar molecules.
Glycolysis, the Kreb's cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain are all involved in the process of breaking down sugar molecules (usually glucose) into smaller molecules, ultimately producing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for the cell to use.
To obtain this answer, you could analyze each option and eliminate the ones that are incorrect. The first option, the production of ATP, is true for all three processes, so it is a possibility. However, the other options can help determine the correct answer.
The second option, the process of trapping solar energy, is not applicable to any of these processes. This option is often associated with photosynthesis, where plants trap solar energy to convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose. Since the question is asking about something common to all three processes listed, this option can be eliminated.
The third option, occurrence of each within mitochondria, is partially true. The Kreb's cycle and the electron transport chain occur within the mitochondria, but glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell, outside the mitochondria. Therefore, this option is not common to all three processes.
By process of elimination, we can conclude that the correct answer is D: the process of breaking down sugar molecules. All three processes involve the breakdown of sugar molecules, which is an essential step in cellular respiration, the process by which cells obtain energy from glucose.