Final answer:
Under aerobic conditions, the metabolism of one glucose molecule in human cells generates approximately 36 molecules of ATP, considering the energy expenditure for transporting intermediates into the mitochondria.
Step-by-step explanation:
ATP Production from Glucose Metabolism
The metabolism of one glucose molecule in human cells under aerobic conditions typically generates a substantial amount of ATP. Aerobic respiration in mitochondria, including all three stages—glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation—results in a theoretical maximum yield of 38 ATP molecules from one glucose molecule.
However, the total number of molecules often varies. Accounting for energy used to transport intermediates into the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, the realistic amount of ATP produced usually ranges from 36 to 38 molecules.
Hence, for the question presented, the closest accurate answer is that the metabolism of one glucose molecule generally produces approximately 36 molecules of ATP.