Question

Why is the actual net yield of ATP via aerobic respiration lower than the total yield?

Answer 1

The actual net yield of ATP via aerobic respiration is lower than the total yield due to consumption of ATP molecules during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. The net yield is approximately 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule in aerobic respiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The actual net yield of ATP via aerobic respiration is lower than the total yield due to several factors:

1. During glycolysis, 2 ATP molecules are consumed and 4 ATP molecules are produced, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP molecules.
2. During the citric acid cycle, 2 GTP molecules are produced, which can later convert to ATP, resulting in 2 ATP molecules.
3. During the electron transport chain, NADH and FADH2 molecules from earlier stages are used to produce ATP. NADH produces about 3 ATP molecules and FADH2 produces about 2 ATP molecules.

Overall, the net yield of ATP via aerobic respiration is approximately 36-38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.