Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2015 2015Moderate

6-NADH can yield:

Correct answer: C. 18-ATP

  • A. 12-ATP
  • B. 38-ATP
  • C. 18-ATP
  • D. 36-ATP

Explanation

An NADH molecule on oxidation theoretically releases sufficient energy to make 3 ATP molecules. Therefore, 6 molecules of NADH can yield:6 NADH → 6 3 = 18 molecules of ATPThe actual yield of ATP per molecule of NADH is however less. It's 2.5 molecules of ATP/NADH. Therefore, the actual yield of ATP when 6 NADH molecules undergo oxidation is:6 NADH → 6 2.5 = 15 molecules of ATPSince 15 molecules of ATP is not given as an option, the theoretical yield of ATP i.e. 18 molecules (Option C) is the answer.

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About Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration releases energy from glucose through glycolysis, the link reaction, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. The pathway differs in oxygen availability: aerobic respiration uses oxygen and yields more ATP, while anaerobic respiration produces much less ATP and forms lactic acid in muscles or ethanol and carbon dioxide in yeast.

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