In mitochondrial electron transport, what is the direct role of O2? to provide the driving force for the production of a proton gradient to provide the driving force for the synthesis of ATP from ADP and Pi to oxidize NADH and FADH2 from glycolysis, acetyl CoA formation, and the citric acid cycle to function as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain

To function as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain

Explanation:

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells degrade food molecules to obtain energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).

Respiration comprises the following steps:

Glycolysis (oxidation of glucose to pyruvate)

Acetyl-CoA formation.

Krebs cycle.

Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation.

Glucose oxidation processes reduces NAD + to NADH and FAD + to FADH, these molecules accepts electrones produced when glucose is oxidized.

The electrons accepted by NADH and FADH then pass through a series of electron transporters, going from a high energy level to a lower one.

Finally, oxygen is the last electron acceptor, which combines with 2 protons (hydrogen ions) and forms water.