Approximately how many molecules of ATP are produced from the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose (C6H12O6) through the process of aerobic cellular respiration?

• A. 4.
• B. 2.
• C. 26-34.
• D. 30-38.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that aerobic cellular respiration consists of three main stages: Glycolysis, the Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle), and the Electron Transport Chain (ETC). Each stage contributes to the production of ATP.
2. In Glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, producing a net gain of 2 ATP molecules and 2 NADH molecules.
3. During the Citric Acid Cycle, each pyruvate is converted into Acetyl-CoA, which enters the cycle. For each glucose molecule, this cycle runs twice, producing 2 ATP, 6 NADH, and 2 FADH2 molecules.
4. The Electron Transport Chain uses the NADH and FADH2 produced in the previous stages to generate ATP. Each NADH can produce approximately 2.5 ATP, and each FADH2 can produce approximately 1.5 ATP.
5. Calculate the total ATP produced by adding the ATP from Glycolysis, the Citric Acid Cycle, and the ATP generated from NADH and FADH2 in the Electron Transport Chain. This results in a range of approximately 30-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.