Final answer:
The theoretical maximum of ATP molecules produced from the NADH generated by one molecule of glucose during aerobic respiration is E.38.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theoretical number of ATP molecules that can be produced from the NADH generated by the catabolism of a molecule of glucose during aerobic respiration is 38. The breakdown of glucose through various stages of aerobic respiration, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain (ETC), yields both NADH and FADH₂ molecules. NADH provides enough energy to make 3 ATP molecules each via oxidative phosphorylation. There are 10 NADH molecules made per glucose, totaling up to 30 ATP.
Additionally, 4 ATP are produced by substrate-level phosphorylation during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle combined. This gives a theoretical maximum of 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule during aerobic respiration. However, due to energy cost of transporting intermediates into mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, the actual yield can be slightly lower.