Which of the following molecules contains the most energy that can be used to make ATP during cellular respiration?

• A. Glucose
• B. NADH
• C. ATP
• D. Pyruvate

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of each molecule in cellular respiration: Glucose, NADH, ATP, and Pyruvate are all involved in the process of cellular respiration, which is the process cells use to generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
2. Recognize that Glucose is the primary energy source: Glucose is a six-carbon sugar that is broken down during glycolysis, the first step of cellular respiration, to produce ATP, NADH, and Pyruvate.
3. Consider the energy content of NADH: NADH is an electron carrier that stores energy used to produce ATP in the electron transport chain, but it is derived from the breakdown of glucose.
4. Evaluate the role of ATP: ATP is the direct energy currency of the cell, but it is not a storage form of energy. It is produced as a result of cellular respiration, not a starting material.
5. Analyze Pyruvate's role: Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis and can be further oxidized in the mitochondria to produce more NADH and ATP, but it is not the initial source of energy like glucose.