Final answer:
A single molecule of glucose can yield approximately 36 to 38 ATP molecules during aerobic respiration, with the theoretical maximum being 38 ATP molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The breakdown of one glucose molecule through aerobic respiration results in the production of a variable number of ATP molecules. On average, the breakdown of glucose yields about 36 to 38 ATP molecules. However, the theoretical maximum yield under ideal conditions is 38 molecules of ATP; four are produced during glycolysis and the Krebs Cycle through substrate-level phosphorylation, and up to 34 are generated by oxidative phosphorylation in the electron transport chain.
It's worth noting that, due to certain energy costs, such as the transport of intermediates into mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, the actual yield may be slightly less than this maximum. Nevertheless, most references affirm that each molecule of glucose can give rise to a net total of 36 to 38 ATP molecules through the process of cellular respiration.