If a cell is able to synthesize 30 ATP molecules for each molecule of glucose completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, approximately how many ATP molecules can the cell synthesize for each molecule of pyruvate oxidized to carbon dioxide and water?
A) 8
B) 12.5
C) 16
D) 25

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each molecule of glucose produces two molecules of pyruvate in glycolysis. Therefore, if a cell can synthesize 30 ATP from one glucose molecule, then 15 ATP are produced per pyruvate molecule. However, two pyruvate molecules are needed to oxidize one glucose molecule, so the cell can synthesize approximately 30/2 × 15 = 225/2 = 112.5 ATP molecules for each molecule of pyruvate oxidized. Since the question asks for an approximation, the closest answer is B) 12.5.

If a Cell Is Able to Synthesize 30 ATP Molecules