How many molecules of $\mathrm{ATP}$ are typically produced from the complete oxidation of one molecule of ${\mathrm{glucose}}_1$ during cellular respiration?

• A. $18 \mathrm{ATP}$
• B. $38 \mathrm{ATP}$
• C. $2 \mathrm{ATP}$
• D. $32 \mathrm{ATP}$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that 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.
3. The Citric Acid Cycle processes each pyruvate molecule, generating 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, along with high-energy electron carriers NADH and FADH2.
4. The Electron Transport Chain uses the electrons from NADH and FADH2 to create a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, which drives the synthesis of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
5. Typically, the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose results in the production of approximately 32 ATP molecules, considering the efficiency of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase.