In aerobic respiration, the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain is oxygen (O₂). The electrons traveling down the chain combine with oxygen and hydrogen ions (H⁺) to form water. This reaction completes the process of oxidative phosphorylation, allowing ATP production to continue.Reaction:O_2 + 4e^- + 4H^+ \rightarrow 2H_2OWithout oxygen to accept the electrons, the chain stops, and ATP production halts.