What happens if oxygen is not present as the final acceptor of glucose's electrons? This situation is called anaerobic respiration. In anaerobic respiration, oxygen is not the final electron acceptor. In the table below, you will notice that many species of bacteria have evolved to use anaerobic respiration; therefore, they can live in areas that are inhospitable to species that require oxygen. In class, you will learn about yet another way to metabolize glucose, called fermentation, which is different than either aerobic or anaerobic respiration. Oxygen is an efficient final electron acceptor because it has a relatively high affinity for electrons (0.82 V), measured as a redox potential value (V). Based on the redox potential values in the table, which molecule offers the next best option as the final electron acceptor of glucose's electrons?
a. Iron
b. Nitrate
c. Sulfate