What is the overall net gain of ATP in aerobic respiration per one molecule of glucose?
A. between 0-10
B. between 10-20
C. between 30-40
D. between 40-50
Answer (2)
Glycolysis yields a net gain of 2 ATP molecules.
The citric acid cycle generates 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
Oxidative phosphorylation produces approximately 32-34 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
The overall net gain of ATP in aerobic respiration is between 30 − 40 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The question asks us to determine the overall net gain of ATP molecules during aerobic respiration from a single glucose molecule. We need to consider all the stages of aerobic respiration and their respective ATP yields to arrive at the correct answer.
Overview of Aerobic Respiration Aerobic respiration consists of four main stages: glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation (also known as the link reaction), the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport chain and chemiosmosis). We will analyze the ATP production in each stage.
ATP Production in Glycolysis
Glycolysis: This process occurs in the cytoplasm and involves the breakdown of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate. Glycolysis yields a net gain of 2 ATP molecules. While 4 ATP molecules are produced, 2 ATP molecules are initially consumed in the process, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP.
ATP Production in Pyruvate Oxidation
Pyruvate Oxidation: Each pyruvate molecule is converted into acetyl-CoA. This step does not directly produce ATP.
ATP Production in Citric Acid Cycle
Citric Acid Cycle: Each acetyl-CoA molecule enters the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the mitochondrial matrix. For each glucose molecule (which produces two acetyl-CoA molecules), the citric acid cycle generates 2 ATP molecules.
ATP Production in Oxidative Phosphorylation
Oxidative Phosphorylation: This stage, which includes the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis, takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It harnesses the energy from the electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) produced in the previous stages to generate a large amount of ATP. Oxidative phosphorylation produces approximately 32-34 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. The exact number can vary depending on cellular conditions and the efficiency of the electron transport chain.
Calculating Total ATP Production Now, let's calculate the total net ATP gain:
Glycolysis: 2 ATP Citric Acid Cycle: 2 ATP Oxidative Phosphorylation: 32-34 ATP
Total ATP: 2 + 2 + 32 = 36 to 2 + 2 + 34 = 38 ATP
Determining the Correct Range Based on our calculations, the overall net gain of ATP in aerobic respiration per one molecule of glucose is between 36 and 38 ATP molecules. Therefore, the correct answer is the range that includes this value.
Final Answer The range that includes 36-38 ATP is between 30-40.
Final Answer The overall net gain of ATP in aerobic respiration per one molecule of glucose is between 30 − 40 .
Examples
Understanding ATP production is crucial in various fields. For example, athletes need to know how their bodies generate energy during different types of exercises. Aerobic respiration is the primary energy source during endurance activities like marathon running. Knowing the ATP yield helps athletes optimize their training and nutrition to maximize energy production and performance. Similarly, in medicine, understanding ATP production is vital for studying metabolic disorders and developing treatments that target energy production pathways.
The net gain of ATP from one molecule of glucose in aerobic respiration is between 30-40 ATP. This includes 2 ATP from glycolysis, 2 ATP from the citric acid cycle, and approximately 32-34 ATP from oxidative phosphorylation. Based on these calculations, the answer to the question is between 30-40 ATP.
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