Final answer:
The electron transport and chemiosmosis stage of glucose metabolism, also known as oxidative phosphorylation, is responsible for producing the most ATP, with a single glucose molecule yielding approximately 30 to 32 ATPs through this stage. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage of glucose metabolism that produces the most ATP is the electron transport and chemiosmosis stage, also known as oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis produces a net gain of 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule, and the Krebs cycle contributes another 2 ATPs directly. However, it is the oxidative phosphorylation stage where most ATP is generated, due to the action of NADH and FADH2 which were produced in earlier stages and now donate electrons to the electron transport chain. This results in the pumping of protons across the mitochondrial membrane and ultimately the synthesis of ATP through chemiosmosis.
Each NADH molecule entering the electron transport chain is generally considered to lead to the production of approximately 3 ATPs, and each FADH2 results in about 2 ATPs. Considering all the NADH and FADH2 produced during glycolysis, the transformation of pyruvate to acetyl CoA, and the Krebs cycle, a single glucose molecule can yield around 30 to 32 ATPs via oxidative phosphorylation.