The overall goal of glycolysis, Krebs cycle and the electron transport system is the formation of

Options

A. sugars
B. nucleic acids
C. ATP in small stepwise units
D. ATP in one large oxidation reaction

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Processes**: The question asks about the overall goal of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport system (ETS). These three processes are integral parts of aerobic respiration.

2. **Glycolysis**: This is the first step in cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. During this process, a small amount of ATP is produced.

3. **Krebs Cycle**: Following glycolysis, the pyruvate molecules enter the Krebs cycle. Here, they are further broken down, and more ATP, along with electron carriers (NADH and FADH2), are produced.

4. **Electron Transport System (ETS)**: This is the final step where the electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) generated from glycolysis and the Krebs cycle are used to produce a large amount of ATP. This occurs through a series of reactions that ultimately lead to the formation of ATP.

5. **Overall ATP Production**: In total, through these processes, a significant amount of ATP is generated. For example, from one molecule of glucose, up to 38 ATP molecules can be produced through aerobic respiration. However, this production occurs in a stepwise manner rather than in one large reaction.

6. **Conclusion**: The overall goal of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport system is the formation of ATP in small stepwise units, not sugars or nucleic acids, and not in one large oxidation reaction.

**Final Answer**: The overall goal of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and the electron transport system is the formation of ATP in small stepwise units.

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