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) 0
B) 1
C) 12
D) 14
E) 26

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each glucose molecule produces 2 pyruvate molecules. If 30 ATP are produced per glucose, then approximately half, or 15 ATP, would be produced per pyruvate. However, considering the efficiency and rounding, the closest choice is 14 ATP per pyruvate.

If a Cell Is Able to Synthesize 30 ATP Molecules