Question

Which of the following statements provides the best explanation for the disparity between energy produced from the oxidation of 1 mole of glucose versus the hydrolysis of 30 moles of ATP?

a) Glucose has a higher energy density than ATP
b) ATP has a higher activation energy than glucose
c) Glucose undergoes complete combustion, while ATP does not
d) ATP has a lower energy transfer efficiency compared to glucose

Answer 1

The disparity in energy between glucose oxidation and ATP hydrolysis is due to glucose's higher energy density, with glucose catabolism being able to yield up to 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best explanation for the disparity between energy produced from the oxidation of 1 mole of glucose versus the hydrolysis of 30 moles of ATP is that glucose has a higher energy density than ATP. During the catabolism of glucose, much of the potential energy stored in its chemical bonds is retrieved and used to generate ATP. The oxidation of glucose through cellular respiration involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, which, under ideal conditions, can yield a maximum of 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. However, the hydrolysis of ATP molecules provides immediate energy for cellular processes but with less overall energy transfer efficiency compared to the complete breakdown of glucose.