Final answer:
In the immediate energy system, one reaction produces one ATP. In the electron transport chain, two NADH molecules can produce 4 to 6 ATP, and two FADH₂ molecules can produce 4 ATP, totaling about 34 ATP in that stage. The theoretical maximum yield from one glucose molecule during complete aerobic respiration is 38 ATP molecules, but the actual yield can be lower.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) made by one reaction in an immediate energy system depends on the pathway used. For example, in the immediate, or phosphagen, energy system, there is a direct phosphorylation of ADP by creatine phosphate, which produces one ATP per reaction without the need for oxygen, making this process quick and efficient for short bursts of energy.
In the cellular respiration process, specifically during the electron transport chain, each NADH can generate approximately three ATPs and each FADH₂ can generate approximately two ATPs. Therefore, two NADH molecules produced from glycolysis in the cytoplasm can produce 4 to 6 ATPs, while the eight NADH produced in the mitochondria produce 24 ATPs. Two FADH₂ molecules produce 4 ATPs, for a total of about 34 ATPs during this stage. In the broader context of glucose oxidation, the complete aerobic respiration of one molecule of glucose can theoretically yield a maximum of 38 ATP molecules.
However, the actual number of ATP produced can be less than this theoretical maximum due to the energy expended on activities like the transport of intermediates into the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells.