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.

Last updated 1 September 2026

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.

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