Question

The complete breakdown of glucose through aerobic respiration in muscle cells

results in the net production of a maximum of
36 ATP molecules.
36 O2 molecules
36 ADP molecules
36 CO2 molecules.

Answer 1

36 ATP molecules

Step-by-step explanation:

Cellular respiration is a metabolic process undergone by all living cells. It is the way cells obtain energy by breaking down food molecules to yield energy in form of ATP needed for their life processes. Cellular respiration can occur in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) or in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic).

Aerobic cellular respiration is that which occurs when oxygen is present in the cells. It consists of three main stages viz: Glycolysis, Kreb's cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation (ETC). Glycolysis is the first stage of aerobic respiration involving the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate and a net gain of 2ATP molecules.

Kreb's cycle or TCA is the next stage of aerobic respiration involving the production of electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) and release of 2ATP molecules as well.

Electron transport chain (ETC), which is the last stage of aerobic respiration involves the most yield of ATP molecules. Electrons are passed from one molecule to another in this stage, with oxygen being the last electron acceptor. 32 ATP molecules is produced at this stage.

In totality, a net production of 2+2+32 = 36 ATP molecules is the maximum produced after aerobic respiration in a muscle cell.