In the process of aerobic metabolism, carbon containing molecules are broken down and the energy from the electrons is used to .

Generate of proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis

Explanation:

Aerobic metabolism includes the complete breakdown of glucose or nutrients into CO2 and H2O. During this oxidation, the energy released from the chemical bonds of glucose is stored in reducing powers. These reducing powers are NADH and FADH2. NADH and FADH2 are then oxidized when they give their electrons to the molecular oxygen through an electron transport chain.

During electron transfer, the energy of electrons pumps the protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane and makes the intermembrane space more positive and acidic. This proton concentration gradient later drives downhill diffusion of protons back towards the matrix via proton channels and synthesis of ATP.

i believe the correct answer is d