Question

How many ATP will be produced during the production of one molecule of Acetyl CoA from one molecule of pyruvic acid?

• A. 38 ATP
• B. 6 ATP
• C. 8 ATP
• D. 3 ATP

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 3 ATP

Three ATP molecules are produced when one molecule of pyruvic acid is converted to acetyl CoA: Metabolization: A three-carbon atom pyruvic acid molecule is metabolized to produce a two-carbon atom acetyl CoA molecule. Oxidative decarboxylation: A carbon dioxide molecule is released from the pyruvic acid molecule. Electron transport chain: Three ATP molecules are produced when a reduced coenzyme molecule is oxidized in the electron transport chain. Pyruvic acid is the end product of glycolysis, which is the process of partially oxidizing glucose into two pyruvic acid molecules. Acetyl CoA is a molecule that delivers the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle, where the acetyl group is oxidized to produce energy.