The number of ATP molecules released in the complete oxidation of one molecule of pyruvic acid is:
Correct answer: C. 15
- A. 2
- B. 6
- C. 15
- D. 30
Explanation
The complete oxidation of one molecule of pyruvic acid involves its conversion into acetyl-CoA during the Link reaction, which generates NADH that can be converted into ATP. The subsequent entry of acetyl-CoA into the Krebs cycle produces additional NADH and FADH2, which are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP. The total yield from these processes is approximately 15 ATP per pyruvic acid. Option A (2 ATP) mistakenly refers to the glycolytic process, Option B (6 ATP) underestimates the total ATP yield, and Option D (30 ATP) is an overestimate that applies to glucose, not pyruvic acid.
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Cellular respiration explains how cells release energy from glucose through glycolysis, the link reaction, Krebs cycle and electron transport chain. It includes ATP production, substrate-level and oxidative phosphorylation, aerobic versus anaerobic respiration, and the roles of mitochondria, oxygen and fermentation in energy transfer.
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