Which of the following produces the most ATP when glucose (C6H12O6) is completely oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water?
A) glycolysis
B) fermentation
C) oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl CoA
D) citric acid cycle
E) oxidative phosphorylation (chemiosmosis)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oxidative phosphorylation (chemiosmosis) produces the most ATP when glucose is completely oxidized to CO2 and H2O. This is because the process involves the majority of the electron transport chain, which generates a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane that powers ATP synthase to produce ATP. Glycolysis only produces 2 ATP, fermentation produces 0-2 ATP, oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl CoA produces 2 NADH and 2 CO2, and citric acid cycle produces 2 ATP, 6 NADH, 2 FADH2, and 4 CO2.

Which of the Following Produces the Most ATP When Glucose