Question

What would be the net gain of ATP from the breakdown of ten molecules of glucose under aerobic conditions?

a: 10
b: 20
c: 40
d: 360

Answer 1

The net gain of ATP from the breakdown of ten molecules of glucose under aerobic conditions is approximately 360 ATP molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under aerobic conditions, when glucose is completely broken down in the process of aerobic respiration, it yields approximately 36 to 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. Considering the most often cited net gain of 36 ATPs, breaking down ten molecules of glucose would therefore yield a net gain of 360 ATPs. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Glycolysis yields 2 ATPs per glucose.
• The citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation yield about 34 ATPs per glucose.
• Thus, 10 glucose molecules would yield 10 x 36 ATPs = 360 ATPs under ideal conditions.

The correct answer to the question would therefore be d: 360 ATP molecules.