Which of the following statements about aerobic energy production is true?

• A. Glucose is the only molecule that can be used to produce ATP aerobically.
• B. In the aerobic pathway, one molecule of glucose can produce 36-38 ATP molecules.
• C. Proteins are the primary source of anaerobically generated ATP.
• D. All of the above are true.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the question: The problem is about aerobic energy production, which refers to the process of generating ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the presence of oxygen. ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell.
2. Review the first statement: 'Glucose is the only molecule that can be used to produce ATP aerobically.' This is incorrect because other macronutrients, such as fatty acids and amino acids, can also be metabolized aerobically to produce ATP.
3. Analyze the second statement: 'In the aerobic pathway, one molecule of glucose can produce 36-38 ATP molecules.' This is correct. During aerobic respiration, glucose undergoes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, resulting in the production of 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
4. Evaluate the third statement: 'Proteins are the primary source of anaerobically generated ATP.' This is incorrect because carbohydrates, specifically glucose, are the primary source of ATP during anaerobic conditions (e.g., glycolysis). Proteins are not the main source of ATP in anaerobic metabolism.
5. Conclude the analysis: Since only the second statement is correct, the answer is not 'All of the above.' The correct answer is: 'In the aerobic pathway, one molecule of glucose can produce 36-38 ATP molecules.'