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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each glucose molecule produces 2 pyruvate molecules. The complete oxidation of one glucose molecule yields 30 ATP, so each pyruvate yields approximately half of that, which is 15 ATP. However, considering the energy cost of transporting pyruvate into the mitochondria, the net yield is approximately 12.5 ATP per pyruvate.

If a Cell Is Able to Synthesise 30 ATP Molecules