Question
The theoretical maximum number of ATP molecules produced from aerobic oxidation of glucose by eukaryotic cells is
The correct answer is
38
The question asks about the theoretical maximum number of ATP molecules produced from aerobic oxidation of glucose by eukaryotic cells. Let's break this down step-by-step to understand how the number 38 is achieved:
- Glycolysis: In the process of glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvate. This occurs in the cytoplasm and results in the production of \(2\) ATP molecules and \(2\) NADH molecules. Each NADH can theoretically be converted to \(3\) ATP molecules, contributing to a total of \(6\) ATP from NADH.
- Pyruvate Decarboxylation (Link Reaction): Each pyruvate enters the mitochondria and is converted to acetyl-CoA, producing \(1\) NADH per pyruvate. Since two pyruvates are produced from one glucose, the process generates \(2\) NADH, contributing \(6\) ATP.
- Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Each acetyl-CoA molecule enters the Krebs cycle, which occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, producing:
- \(3\) NADH (yielding \(9\) ATP)
- \(1\) FADH2 (yielding \(2\) ATP)
- \(1\) ATP (or GTP) directly
- \(6 \times 3 = 18\) ATP from NADH
- \(2 \times 2 = 4\) ATP from FADH2
- \(2\) ATP directly
- Total Calculation: Adding up the ATP produced:
- From Glycolysis: \(2 \, (\text{ATP}) + 6 \, (\text{from NADH}) = 8\) ATP
- From Pyruvate Decarboxylation: \(6\) ATP
- From Krebs Cycle: \(24 \, (18 \, \text{from NADH} + 4 \, \text{from FADH}_2 + 2 \, \text{direct})\) ATP
Conclusion: The theoretical maximum yield of ATP from aerobic oxidation of glucose in eukaryotic cells is 38 ATP molecules.
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Important Questions from Bioenergetics ATP Hydrolysis
- Assuming that there are $5 \times 10^{13}$ cells in the human body, and that ATP is turning over at a rate of $10^9$ ATP molecules per minute in each cell, then the human body is utilizing ________ watts (rounded off to two decimal places).
[Assume that hydrolysis of ATP yields 12 kcal per mole. 1 watt = 1 joule/sec, 1 calorie = 4.18 joules, Avogadro's number = $6.023 \times 10^{23}$] - Glucose and hexanoic acid, each having six carbon atoms can undergo complete biological oxidation. In terms of net ATP generation, which of the following statements is CORRECT?
- Four groups of metabolites are given below. Choose the group in which all the compounds contain at least one bond whose ${\Delta}G'^{\circ}$ of hydrolysis is $\leq$ -7.0 kcal/mole.
- Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
- Which of the following is TRUE about Kreb's cycle?
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