Which of the following is a common product of aerobic respiration?

In aerobic respiration, the primary outcome is the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which serves as the main energy currency of the cell. This process occurs in the presence of oxygen and involves a series of biochemical reactions that break down glucose or other organic substrates. The complete oxidation of glucose during aerobic respiration results in the release of energy that is harnessed to form ATP.

ATP synthesis occurs primarily through oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria, where electrons derived from the breakdown of glucose are transferred through the electron transport chain, ultimately leading to the production of ATP. Thus, ATP is the direct product of this metabolic pathway and is essential for various cellular functions, including muscle contraction, cellular division, and biosynthesis.

In contrast, the other choices represent substances that are not products of aerobic respiration. For instance, methane (CH4) is typically associated with anaerobic processes, while hydrogen (H2) is not a product of respiration in aerobic organisms. Ozone (O3) is a molecule related to the atmospheric layer and does not arise from the metabolic processes of aerobic respiration. Therefore, the most accurate answer reflecting a product of aerobic respiration is ATP.