Tag: carbohydrate metabolism

One mole of glucose produce=38 ATP molecules

Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) is comprised of an adenine ring, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups. ATP is often used for energy transfer in the cell. ATP synthase produces ATP from ADP or AMP + Pi. The energy consumed during the conversion of ADP into ATP is 7300 cal/mole.

A total 38 ATP molecules (2 ATP molecules from glycolysis, 2 from Kreb's cycle and 34 from electron transport system) are produced per molecule of glucose oxidised in aerobic prokaryotes. Whereas, the net gain in most of the eukaryotes is 36 ATP molecules (as 2 ATP molecules are consumed intransporting $NADH _2$ into mitochondria). 

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate. It is complex molecule that contains the nucleoside adenosine and a tail consisting of three phosphates. It is the primary energy currency. A single ATP produce -7.3 kcal.

$NAD^+$ and $NADP^+$ are coenzymes, that function in oxidation-reduction reactions. 3 ATP are formed from the conversion of  $NADPH^+$ to $NAD^+$.

 Aerobic respiration takes place through a series of reactions such as Glycolysis, Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvates, Citric acid cycle and Oxidative phosphorylation. Being efficient in extracting chemical energy, the total free energy produced during the process is 686 kcal. Thus, the correct answer is option C.

38 molecules can be made per oxidised glucose molecule during cellular respiration. It is possible by the yield of ATP molecules from Krebs cycle, glycolysis and electron transport system.