Question

A total of ___________ ATP molecules are generated during the oxidation of two Pyruvic acids formed from a single hexose sugar during Kreb cycle.

• A. 30
• B. 36
• C. 34
• D. 38

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 36

During the oxidation of two pyruvic acid molecules (derived from a single hexose sugar), the total ATP generated during the Krebs cycle and associated oxidative phosphorylation is approximately 36 ATP molecules.

Here is how it breaks down:

• Each pyruvic acid molecule produces about 15 ATP on complete oxidation (including its conversion to acetyl-CoA and Krebs cycle activity).

• For two pyruvic acid molecules, the total yield is roughly 2 × 15 = 30 ATP.

• When considering all processes including glycolysis and electron transport chain contributions, the total ATP generated from one glucose molecule (which gives two pyruvates) is generally around 36 to 38 ATP.