Question

If a cell is able to synthesize 30 ATP molecules for each molecule of glucose completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, approximately how many ATP molecules can the cell synthesize for each molecule of pyruvate oxidized to carbon dioxide and water?
possible answers:
a. 0
b.1
c. 12
d. 14
e. 15

Answer 1

Answer: E =15

Explanation:

Basically, 1 molecule of glucose  molecule after substrate level phosphorylation in glycolysis gives 2 molecules of 3 carbon compounds called pyruvate, for complete oxdation .

                           1 GLUCOSE molecule       ⇒ 2Pyruvates.

Each pyruvate molecule can produce  15 ATPs .( in citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation),.Since 30ATPs were produced,;each pyruvate molecule  must have contributed 15 ATPs each for a total of 30ATPs