Pathway overview: The aerobic breakdown of glucose (cellular respiration) includes which stages?

Introduction / Context:
Aerobic respiration converts the chemical energy of glucose into ATP through a coordinated series of pathways. Knowing the canonical stages helps organize a mental model for where carbon flows and where ATP and reduced cofactors are made.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Aerobic conditions with functional mitochondria.
• Glucose as the starting substrate.
• Standard eukaryotic pathway names applied.

Concept / Approach:
Cellular respiration consists of glycolysis (cytosol), pyruvate oxidation and the Krebs cycle (mitochondrial matrix), and oxidative phosphorylation (ETC and ATP synthase at the inner mitochondrial membrane). Electron transport phosphorylation uses the proton motive force to synthesize ATP.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Glycolysis converts glucose to pyruvate, netting ATP and NADH.Krebs cycle oxidizes acetyl-CoA to CO2, generating NADH and FADH2.Electron transport phosphorylation oxidizes NADH/FADH2 to drive ATP synthesis.All three are integral to complete aerobic glucose breakdown.

Verification / Alternative check:
Blockade of any stage (e.g., ETC inhibitors) reduces ATP yield dramatically, underscoring the necessity of all components in aerobic metabolism.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Each single pathway alone is insufficient; full aerobic respiration requires the entire sequence.

Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking pyruvate oxidation (PDH complex) as the link between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle; while not listed in the options, it is implied in the overall flow.

Final Answer:
All of the above