Question

Three experts in metabolism are having a three-way debate about the different ways that bacteria make ATP. Jesse says that aerobic respiration (AR) is best (for the bacteria). However, Dale says that fermentation (F) is best (for the bacteria). Finally, Morgan says that anaerobic respiration (AnaR) is best (for the bacteria). a. What is the most important reason why Jesse is right, that AR is better for the bacteria than the other two ways? Explain why that reason is so important. b. What is the most important reason why Dale is right, that F is better for the bacteria than the other two ways? Explain why that reason is so important. c. What is the most important reason why Morgan is right, that AnaR is better for the bacteria than the other two ways? Explain why that reason is so important. d. Which one do you agree with, and why? (You must choose one person and justify that choice)

Answer 1

a. In aerobic respiration, the glycolysis takes place first after which the pyruvate molecules generated enter the Krebs cycle. The Krebs cycle is a cyclic process where the energy molecules are produced such as NADH and FADH₂. These energy molecules enter the oxidative phosphorylation phase generating ATP molecules from NADH and FADH₂ . The reason that Jesse is right is that aerobic respiration produces the highest amount of energy when compared to anaerobic respiration and fermentation. The yield of ATP is 36-38 ATP approximately.

b. Dale might be correct regarding fermentation because the energy required for the breakdown is less and the process can be carried out in the absence of oxygen.

c. Morgan is right about anaerobic respiration because oxygen is not required to perform this process. Further, the electron acceptor molecules are other than oxygen molecules. The oxidative phosphorylation occurs in this stage as well and there is a higher energy yield than fermentation.