Final answer:
A cell typically gains up to 36 ATP molecules from one glucose molecule during the three stages of cellular respiration, with some variations depending on the organism and cellular efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total number of ATP molecules that a cell gains from each of the three stages of cellular respiration per glucose molecule is up to 36. Specifically, this includes ATP produced during glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. It is worth noting that while the theoretical maximum yield of ATP is 38 molecules of ATP from one glucose molecule during complete aerobic respiration, by oxidative phosphorylation and substrate-level phosphorylation combined, the actual number typically ranges up to 36 ATP because some energy is expended to transport intermediates into the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. The Krebs cycle contributes to the generation of a substantial number of these ATP molecules. However, it is in the electron transport chain that the energy from NADH and FADH2 is converted into the majority of ATP, producing as many as 34 ATP molecules from oxidative phosphorylation. When combined with the four ATP produced in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, the total can theoretically reach 38 ATP; however, this maximum yield is not typically achieved under normal cellular conditions.