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Most Repeated MDCAT Biology: Bioenergetics MCQs

The most repeated Bioenergetics questions in MDCAT Biology, measured from 377 real past papers. Bioenergetics contributed 535 questions across those papers, and 20 distinct questions recurred with the same verified answer across 2 or more different exam years — listed below (ranked by how many years each recurs in), with the answer, an explanation, and the exact years.

Measured from 377 real past papers · updated July 2026

  1. 1
    Repeated in 3 yearsBioenergetics

    Which part of the cell does glycolysis occur in?

    • AMitochondrion
    • BChloroplast
    • CCytoplasm
    • DNucleus
    • EVacuole

    Explanation

    Glycolysis, the first stage of cellular respiration, occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. It is a series of biochemical reactions that break down one molecule of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate. Unlike the subsequent stages of cellular respiration (such as the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation), glycolysis does not take place in the mitochondria. Instead, it occurs in the cytoplasm, which is the gel-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the cellular organelles.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2018, 2023, 2024

  2. 2
    Repeated in 3 yearsBioenergetics

    The process by which one molecule of Glucose splits up into molecules of Pyruvate is called:

    • AGlycolysis
    • BOxidative Phospholyration
    • CElectron Transport Chain
    • DKreb's Cycle
    • ECalvin Cycle

    Explanation

    The process by which one molecule of glucose splits up into molecules of pyruvate is called glycolysis. Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration, which occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. During glycolysis, a molecule of glucose, a six-carbon sugar, is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, each containing three carbon atoms.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2018, 2023, 2024

  3. 3
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    The end product of Glycolysis is:

    • AGlucose-6-phosphate
    • BFructose-6-phosphate
    • CPyruvate
    • D3-Phosphoglycerate
    • EPhosphoglyceraldehyde

    Explanation

    The end product of glycolysis is pyruvate. During glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, yielding a net gain of two molecules of ATP and two molecules of NADH. Pyruvate can then enter the mitochondria to be further processed in the citric acid cycle if oxygen is present, or it can undergo fermentation under anaerobic conditions. The incorrect options listed are intermediates in the glycolytic pathway, not final products.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2011, 2012

  4. 4
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    The main process that occurs in the dark reaction in photosynthesis is:

    • AThat water is split
    • BLight energy is converted into chemical energy
    • CThat glucose is oxidized
    • DThat carbon-dioxide is fixed
    • ENone of the above

    Explanation

    The main process that occurs in the dark reaction (also known as the Calvin Cycle) in photosynthesis is the synthesis of glucose. The dark reaction takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts and does not directly require light. It follows the light-dependent reactions (such as photosystem I and II) that capture and convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). In the Calvin Cycle, the primary goal is to use the ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2009, 2010

  5. 5
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    The light dependent reaction of photosynthesis occurs in:

    • AStroma of chloroplast
    • BGuard cells of stomata
    • CThylakoid membrane of chloroplast
    • DCytoplasm of leaf cell

    Explanation

    The correct answer is the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast. The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur in these membranes, where chlorophyll absorbs light energy. This energy is then converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, which are essential for the subsequent light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) in the stroma.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2011, 2016

  6. 6
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    Pyruvic acid is the end product of _.

    • AKrebs cycle
    • BGlycolysis
    • CPhotosynthesis
    • DAnaerobic respiration
    • EElectron Transport Chain

    Explanation

    The correct answer is Glycolysis. Glycolysis is a sequence of enzymatic reactions that occurs in the cytoplasm of cells, where one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This process also results in the net gain of two ATP molecules and two NADH molecules. The other options describe different stages or processes in cellular respiration or photosynthesis that do not produce pyruvic acid as an end product. The Krebs cycle further processes pyruvate, anaerobic respiration can use pyruvate but does not produce it as an end product, the electron transport chain is involved in ATP production, and photosynthesis is unrelated to pyruvate production.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2012, 2017

  7. 7
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    What's the importance of krebs's cycle?

    • AProduction of amino acids
    • BProduction of vitamins
    • CProduction of ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation
    • DProduction of pyruvic acid

    Explanation

    During steps 3, 4, and 8 of Krebs' cycle, 3 molecules of NADH + H+ are produced by oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and malate, respectively. These NADH + H+ molecules are converted into ATP molecules by oxidative phosphorylation. Hence this option is correct.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  8. 8
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    The acceptor of carbon dioxide in Calvin cycle Is:

    • ARuBP
    • BRuMP
    • CPGA
    • DPGAL

    Explanation

    Ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) is generally referred to as CO2 acceptor because it is capable of combining with carbon dioxide with the help of Ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase/oxygenase also known as RuBisCO.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  9. 9
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    Anaerobic respiration, compared to aerobic respiration, produces?

    • AMore ATPs
    • BLess ATPs
    • CEqual ATPs
    • DDoes not produce ATPs

    Explanation

    During anaerobic respiration, the pyruvic acid molecules are converted either to lactic acid or ethanol with the release of a very small amount of energy, i.e., just 2 ATPs.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  10. 10
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    Which process can take place in the presence and absence of oxygen?

    • AGlycolysis
    • BCellular respiration
    • CFermentation
    • DNone of the above

    Explanation

    This is the correct answer. Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP (energy) in the process.It is the first stage of cellular respiration and can occur both in the presence (aerobic conditions) and absence (anaerobic conditions) of oxygen.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  11. 11
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    Which of the following type of cytochromes is common in photosynthesis and respiration?

    • ACyt “O”
    • BCyt “a3”
    • CCyt “b”
    • DCyt “c”

    Explanation

    A membrane-bound cytochrome f-b complex participates in both respiratory and photosynthetic elevtron transport.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2006, 2008

  12. 12
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    The carotenoids absorb light in the visible spectrum between _ and _ wavelengths.

    • A400-600 nm
    • B530-700 m
    • C620-700 nm
    • D500-600 nm

    Explanation

    Carotenoids are a group of pigments that absorb light in the visible spectrum, specifically in the range of 430-470 nanometers (nm). This range corresponds to the orange to red region of the visible spectrum.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2022, 2023

  13. 13
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    In the 'non-cyclic electron transport of light reaction', the deficit of _ electrons occur in the chlorophyll, as it absorbs energy

    • A1
    • B2
    • C3
    • D4

    Explanation

    In the non-cyclic electron transport of the light reaction, also known as the Z-scheme, the deficit of electrons occurs in the chlorophyll molecule (specifically, chlorophyll a) as it absorbs energy from light. This energy excites an electron, which is then transferred to a special molecule called an electron acceptor, leaving a deficit of two electrons in the chlorophyll molecule.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2022, 2023

  14. 14
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    What is the number of carbon atoms in pyruvic acid?

    • A8
    • B2
    • C3
    • D4

    Explanation

    Pyruvic acid has the molecular formula C3H4O3. It has 3 carbon atoms.you can remember it by keeping in mind the fact that one glucose molecule splits into two pyruvic acid molecules in glycolysis. As glucose has 6 C-atoms, each pyruvate should have 3 C-atoms.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2022, 2023

  15. 15
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    Light independent phase of photosynthesis involves _.

    • AFormation of energy rich carbohydrates
    • BHydrolysis of water
    • CATP generation
    • DProduction of reducing molecule

    Explanation

    Hydrolysis of water, ATP generation, and production of reducing molecules are all part of the light-dependent phase of photosynthesis. Light independent phase involves the reaction of G3P to form energy-rich glucose so option A is correct.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2022, 2024

  16. 16
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    A drug reduces mitochondrial activity in nephrons of the kidney. Which chemical will be present in increased amounts in the urine?

    • AAmmonia
    • BGlucose
    • CHydrogen bicarbonate
    • DUrea

    Explanation

    This happens because in mitochondria aerobic respiration occurs(breakdown of food in presence of oxygen)The food is glucose.Aerobic respiration:Glucose+O2=CO2 + ATPSo if the mitochondrial activity is reduced then glucose will not be used and will be excreted out through urine.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2014, 2015

  17. 17
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    Energy can be made available to the body in the following ways:(I) Conversion of surplus amino acids and glycerol to blood glucose and the mobilization of fat deposits which pass to the tissues for oxidation.(II) Breakdown of liver and muscle glycogen to form glucose.(III)Breakdown of tissue proteins to release amino acids which are then converted into glucose.In which order does the body draw on potential energy when it is being starved of food?

    • AI , II and III
    • BI , III and II
    • CII , I and III
    • DII , III and I

    Explanation

    Option C (II, I, and III) is correct because the conversion of surplus amino acids and glycerol to blood glucose and the mobilization of fat deposits (I) occurs after the breakdown of liver and muscle glycogen (II). Therefore, the correct order should be II, I and III.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2014, 2015

  18. 18
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    Green plants carry on respiration

    • AOnly during the day
    • BOnly at night
    • CDuring both day and night
    • DOnly when photosynthesis is going on

    Explanation

    Respiration is the process by which cells generate energy from glucose and oxygen, and it is a continuous metabolic activity necessary for the plant's survival. While photosynthesis primarily occurs during the day when there is light available, respiration occurs 24/7 because plants need energy both for their daytime activities and to support basic functions like growth and maintenance during the night when there is no sunlight for photosynthesis. Therefore, plants respire both during the day and at night to maintain their life processes.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2011, 2015

  19. 19
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    The end product in anaerobic respiration is:

    • AEthanol and Carbon dioxide
    • BLactate
    • CPyruvate
    • DBoth A and B

    Explanation

    The end products of anaerobic respiration depend on the specific type of anaerobic process involved. There are two main types of anaerobic respiration: lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation. In lactic acid fermentation, the end product is lactic acid.This process occurs in various microorganisms and in muscle cells during strenuous exercise when oxygen is not available in sufficient amounts to support aerobic respiration. The overall reaction is:Glucose → 2 Lactic Acid + Energy (in the form of ATP) In alcoholic fermentation, the end products are ethanol and carbon dioxide.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2020, 2023

  20. 20
    Repeated in 2 yearsBioenergetics

    In Anaerobic respiration, how much % of the energy, present within the chemical bond of glucose, is converted into ATP?

    • A2
    • B4.5
    • C5.6
    • D7.7

    Explanation

    In Anaerobic respiration only 2% of the energy present within the chemical bond of glucose is converted into ATP.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2019, 2021

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