Question

Glycolysis generates more stored energy than it expends. What is the Net number of activated carrier molecules produced in this process?

a) 6 ATP; 2 NADH
b) 4 ATP; 4 NADH
c) 2 ATP; 2 NADH
d) 4 ATP; 2 NADH

Answer 1

Glycolysis results in a net gain of two ATP and two NADH molecules per glucose molecule processed. Four ATP are produced but two are used up within the pathway, while two NADH are generated and may contribute to additional ATP production later in cellular respiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of glycolysis involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, resulting in the production of ATP and NADH. Through this process, a total of four ATP molecules are produced, but since two are consumed during the pathway, it leaves a net gain of two ATP molecules. In addition to ATP, glycolysis also yields two NADH molecules which can be utilized later in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) to produce more ATP. It's important to recall that this gain of ATP and NADH is per glucose molecule processed during glycolysis.

There is sometimes confusion about the net gain of ATP after considering the cost of transporting the NADH into the mitochondria; however, this cost applies to the subsequent cellular respiration processes, and not directly to glycolysis. In summary, the correct answer to the question regarding the net number of activated carrier molecules produced in this process is c) 2 ATP; 2 NADH.