# Explain how the products of glycolysis are used in subsequent stages of aerobic cell respiration to produce ATP.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — C1.2 Cell respiration · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Glycolysis produces pyruvate (and reduced NAD / NADH), which enters the mitochondrial matrix for the link reaction / Krebs cycle
2. In the link reaction / Krebs cycle, pyruvate / acetyl CoA is further oxidised, releasing CO₂ and producing more reduced NAD (and reduced FAD)
3. Reduced NAD (and reduced FAD) produced in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle donate electrons to the electron transport chain on the inner mitochondrial membrane
4. Energy released from electron transport drives the pumping of protons (H⁺) across the inner membrane, creating a gradient that powers ATP synthase to synthesise ATP (oxidative phosphorylation / chemiosmosis)

## Key terms

- [glycolysis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glycolysis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-products-of-glycolysis-4ba8352e) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.