Final answer:
The efficiency of glycolysis is calculated as the ratio of the energy captured in ATP to the free energy change of glycolysis. With 14.6 kcal captured and a free energy change of -44 kcal, the efficiency is approximately 33%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The efficiency of glycolysis can be calculated by comparing the energy gained in the form of ATP to the energy available from the breakdown of glucose. Glycolysis results in a net gain of two ATP molecules. To compute the efficiency, we take the energy captured in ATP (which is 14.6 kcal per mole of ATP, assuming 7.3 kcal/mol) and divide by the free energy change (ΔG) of glycolysis, which is -44 kcal per mole of glucose. Therefore:
Given the net gain of 36 ATP when glucose is completely oxidized, and noting that NADH also contributes to ATP production through the electron transport chain (ETC), the full efficiency would be higher when considering the entire process of cellular respiration and not just glycolysis.