Question

Total versus actual net yield of ATP from aerobic respiration?

Answer 1

Aerobic respiration yields approximately 32 ATP from the complete catabolism of one glucose molecule. The total ATP yield may vary depending on the type of respiration and the presence of intermediates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aerobic respiration yields approximately 32 ATP from the complete catabolism of one glucose molecule. Before the citric acid cycle, two ATP are produced, and during the cycle, two GTP, ten NADH, and two FADH₂ are generated. GTP later converts to ATP. The reduced coenzymes (NADH and FADH₂) enter the electron transport chain, producing heat and additional ATP.

In reality, the total ATP yield is usually less, ranging from one to 34 ATP molecules, depending on whether the cell is using aerobic respiration or anaerobic respiration. The yield may be lower in eukaryotic cells because some energy is expended to transport intermediates from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria.