0 votes
21 views
ago in BioChemistry by (270 points)
How many ATP molecules can be produced by the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose through the Citric Acid Cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation?

1 Answer

0 votes
ago by (450 points)
The complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle  also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle , and oxidative phosphorylation can produce a theoretical maximum of 38 ATP molecules. However, in eukaryotic cells, the actual number is typically around 30-32 ATP molecules due to the energy cost of transporting NADH and FADH2 into the mitochondria. Here's a breakdown of ATP production:1. Glycolysis: - 2 ATP molecules are consumed, and 4 ATP molecules are produced, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP.- 2 NADH molecules are produced, which can generate 5-6 ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation  2.5-3 ATP per NADH .2. Pyruvate decarboxylation  transition step :- 2 NADH molecules are produced  one per pyruvate , which can generate 5-6 ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation  2.5-3 ATP per NADH .3. Citric Acid Cycle:- 2 ATP molecules are produced  one per cycle, as two cycles occur for each glucose molecule .- 6 NADH molecules are produced, which can generate 15-18 ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation  2.5-3 ATP per NADH .- 2 FADH2 molecules are produced, which can generate 3-4 ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation  1.5-2 ATP per FADH2 .Adding these up, we get a total of 30-32 ATP molecules produced by the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose in eukaryotic cells. In prokaryotic cells, the theoretical maximum of 38 ATP molecules can be achieved as there is no energy cost for transporting NADH and FADH2 across the membrane.
Welcome to Sarvan Science Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...