Question

Each NADH that enters the electron transport system gives rise to 3 ATP molecules while:__________

Answer 1

Each NADH generates 3 ATP in the electron transport system, while each FADH2 produces 2 ATP because it starts at a lower energy level in the system. A total of 38 ATP could theoretically be made per glucose molecule, but actual yield is generally lower, between 30 and 36 ATP.

Step-by-step explanation:

Each NADH that enters the electron transport system gives rise to 3 ATP molecules while each FADH₂ only produces 2 ATP molecules. This is because FADH₂ contributes its electrons to the electron transport chain at a lower energy level than NADH, starting at Complex II rather than Complex I.

In totality, considering glucose catabolism through aerobic respiration including glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle, and the electron transport chain, a theoretical maximum yield of 38 ATP molecules can be produced from one molecule of glucose. However, the actual ATP yield often ranges from 30 to 36 ATP molecules due to differences in shuttle mechanisms for transporting electrons into mitochondria and additional energy costs.