Final answer:
Approximately 36 ATP molecules are produced from the complete aerobic metabolism of one glucose molecule during exercise, encompassing ATP from glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total ATP produced from the aerobic metabolism of glucose during exercise can vary slightly depending on the exact efficiencies of the cellular processes. However, the generally accepted amount for the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose to carbon dioxide and water is approximately 36 ATP molecules. This total includes the ATP produced from glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Specifically, glycolysis generates 2 ATP molecules, conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA produces an additional 6 ATP (from 2 NADH), the Krebs cycle produces 2 GTPs (which convert to ATPs) and additional ATP from NADH and FADH₂, and the electron transport chain contributes the most ATP thanks to oxidative phosphorylation. Taking into account all stages, we get a rough estimate of around 36 ATP molecules.