Final answer:
The complete aerobic oxidation of glucose yields approximately 36 ATP molecules, while the oxidation of fats such as stearic acid can produce much higher ATP, with stearic acid yielding about 120 ATP. The options provided in the question do not accurately represent the higher ATP yield from fat oxidation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the ATP yield from the metabolism of carbohydrates (CHO) and fats, it's important to understand that different molecules yield varying amounts of ATP through cellular respiration. For glucose, a common carbohydrate, the complete aerobic oxidation yields around 36 ATP molecules. This accounts for ATP generated during glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain (ETC). In contrast, the oxidation of fats, such as stearic acid, can produce significantly more ATP due to the higher number of carbon atoms they contain. Specifically, stearic acid can yield about 120 ATP molecules. Neither CHO: 36 ATP, Fat: 38 ATP nor CHO: 30 ATP, Fat: 34 ATP nor CHO: 40 ATP, Fat: 42 ATP is accurate. The correct amount for glucose is close to the commonly cited 36 ATP; however, fats produce more, as shown by the calculation for stearic acid, which vastly exceeds these options.