Final answer:
The total ATP yield from the complete oxidation of palmitoyl CoA is between 106 to 113 ATP, considering 80 ATP from acetyl-CoA, 17.5 to 21 ATP from NADH, and 10.5 to 14 ATP from FADH₂, subtracting 2 ATP for the activation of palmitic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
From palmitoyl CoA, which contains 16 carbons, we get 8 acetyl-CoA, 7 NADH, and 7 FADH₂ upon complete oxidation. Each cycle of β-oxidation produces 1 acetyl-CoA, 1 NADH, and 1 FADH₂, except the last cycle which gives 2 acetyl-CoA. The energy yield from these molecules through the citric acid cycle (TCA cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation is as follows:
- 8 acetyl-CoA yields 10 ATP each, so 8 x 10 = 80 ATP
- 7 NADH (via TCA cycle) yields 2.5 to 3 ATP each, so 7 x 2.5 to 3 = 17.5 to 21 ATP
- 7 FADH₂ yields 1.5 to 2 ATP each, so 7 x 1.5 to 2 = 10.5 to 14 ATP
The total energy yield in ATP from the complete oxidation of palmitoyl CoA is therefore 80 ATP (from acetyl-CoA) + 17.5 to 21 ATP (from NADH) + 10.5 to 14 ATP (from FADH₂). However, one must account for the ATP used during the activation of palmitic acid. This step consumes the equivalent of 2 ATP. Hence, we need to subtract this from the total obtained:
Total ATP = (80 + 17.5 to 21 + 10.5 to 14) - 2 = 106 to 113 ATP
Thus, the total ATP yield is between 106 to 113 ATP when factoring in the variable ATP yield of NADH and FADH₂ in different tissues or under different conditions.