How many ATP molecules can be produced from one mole of glucose during aerobic respiration?

During aerobic respiration, one mole of glucose undergoes a series of biochemical processes, primarily glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain. The overall process is efficient and results in the production of a substantial amount of ATP.

From one mole of glucose, during glycolysis, 2 ATP molecules are generated directly. In addition, 2 NADH molecules are produced, which can be converted into approximately 3 to 5 ATP during oxidative phosphorylation, depending on the shuttle used to transport electrons into the mitochondria.

As the glucose molecule is further processed in the citric acid cycle, each of the 2 molecules of acetyl-CoA generated results in the formation of 2 ATP, 6 NADH, and 2 FADH2. The 6 NADH can produce up to 15 ATP, and the 2 FADH2 can generate about 3 ATP through the electron transport chain.

When totaling the yield of ATP:

• From glycolysis: approximately 2 to 3 ATP (considering the NADH conversion).

• From the citric acid cycle: 2 ATP from direct production, and more ATP from the NADH and FADH2