ATP yield and efficiency Knowledge-Based Download PDF

Questions

1. 1.

   In eukaryotic cells, the complete aerobic oxidation of one glucose molecule typically yields an actual net of approximately 30 to 32 ATP rather than the theoretical maximum of 36 to 38 ATP. Which of the following processes primarily accounts for this reduction in the actual ATP yield?

   • A) Complete degradation of oxaloacetate in the citric acid cycle preventing further acetyl-CoA entry
   • B) Direct transfer of high-energy electrons from NADH to molecular oxygen without activating proton pumps
   • C) Irreversible denaturation of ATP synthase complexes during peak chemiosmotic activity
   • D) Use of the proton-motive force to transport pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix along with basal proton leakage across the inner membrane