Common pathways of aerobic and anaerobic respiration is

Options

A. EMP pathway
B. Tricarboxylic acid cycle
C. Acetyl CoA formation
D. Citric acid cycle

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the common pathways of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. We need to identify which pathway is utilized by both processes.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The options provided are:
- EMP pathway (Emden-Meyerhoff-Parnas pathway)
- Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle
- Acetyl-CoA formation
- Citric Acid cycle

3. **Analyzing the EMP Pathway**:
- The EMP pathway, also known as glycolysis, occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.
- It is independent of oxygen, meaning it can function in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
- In this pathway, one molecule of glucose (a 6-carbon compound) is converted into two molecules of pyruvic acid (a 3-carbon compound).
- The net ATP production during glycolysis is 2 ATP molecules, as 4 ATP are produced but 2 are used in the process.

4. **Analyzing the TCA Cycle**:
- The TCA cycle, or Krebs cycle, occurs in the mitochondria and is strictly an aerobic process.
- It requires oxygen and utilizes the pyruvic acid produced from glycolysis.

5. **Analyzing Acetyl-CoA Formation**:
- Acetyl-CoA formation occurs in the mitochondria and is also an aerobic process.
- It serves as a link between glycolysis and the TCA cycle, thus not applicable for anaerobic respiration.

6. **Analyzing the Citric Acid Cycle**:
- The citric acid cycle is synonymous with the TCA cycle and also occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.
- Like the TCA cycle, it is an aerobic pathway.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the only pathway that is common to both aerobic and anaerobic respiration is the EMP pathway (glycolysis).

**Final Answer**: The common pathway of aerobic and anaerobic respiration is the **EMP pathway**.

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