Oleic acid is a fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms. It breaks down into 9 acetyl groups. It is estimated that these nine acetyl groups would generate _ ATP molecules.
Correct answer: D. 108
- A. 81
- B. 98
- C. 101
- D. 108
Explanation
The breakdown of oleic acid into acetyl-CoA units involves beta-oxidation, where each acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle. Each acetyl-CoA contributes approximately 10 ATP through both the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, 9 acetyl-CoA molecules result in 9 x 12 = 108 ATP. The other options are incorrect due to miscalculations or incorrect assumptions about the ATP yield per acetyl-CoA.
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