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Multiple Choice
What is the theoretical yield of ATP from the complete cellular respiration of one glucose molecule?
A
38 ATP molecules
B
32 ATP molecules
C
36 ATP molecules
D
40 ATP molecules
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of cellular respiration, which includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.
In glycolysis, one glucose molecule is broken down into two pyruvate molecules, producing a net gain of 2 ATP molecules.
During the citric acid cycle, each pyruvate is converted into Acetyl-CoA, which enters the cycle. This process generates 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
Oxidative phosphorylation, which includes the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis, produces the majority of ATP. NADH and FADH2 generated in previous steps donate electrons, leading to the production of approximately 34 ATP molecules.
Add the ATP produced from each stage: 2 ATP from glycolysis, 2 ATP from the citric acid cycle, and approximately 34 ATP from oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in a theoretical yield of around 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.