Question

How many ATP molecules will be generated in a plant system during the complete oxidation of 40 molecules of glucose?
A.180
B.360
C.1440
D.3040

Answer 1

Hint: ATP or Adenosine triphosphate is an organic molecule. ATP hydrolysis provides the energy needed. It captures the chemical energy which is obtained from the breakdown of food molecules and then releases it to fuel the other cellular processes.

Complete answer:
 Let us analyze each option to find out the correct answer.
Option A: During the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose, 36 ATP molecules are produced. So, 40 molecules of glucose will produce (36×40)ATP=1440 ATP. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option B: During the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose, 36 ATP molecules are produced. So, 40 molecules of glucose will produce (36×40)ATP=1440 ATP. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option C: Cellular respiration is the process by which cells fulfill their energy need in the form of ATP. In cellular respiration glucose molecules break down in presence of oxygen. On the complete breakdown, each glucose molecule releases 36 ATP. Cellular respiration occurs in three basic steps: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and the electron transport chain.

 In glycolysis production of 2 ATP is produced through substrate-level phosphorylation. The citric acid cycle produces 1 ATP. However, two acetyl CoA enter the cycle, so the products are doubled. Substrate-level phosphorylation is responsible for producing the 2 ATP. The electron transport chain is used to generate most of the ATP during cellular respiration.

The entire process that occurs in the electron transport chain is known as oxidative phosphorylation. For the entire process of cellular respiration, about 32 ATP is created. Therefore, a total of 36 ATP is produced. 36 ATP molecules are produced during complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose. So, 40 molecules of glucose will produce (36×40)ATP=1440 ATP. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Option D: During the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose, 36 ATP molecules are produced. So, 40 molecules of glucose will produce (36×40)ATP=1440 ATP. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘C’

Note: It should be noted that 3 ATPs per NADH is an estimate made from lab experiments under carefully-defined conditions. It is also to be noted that ATPs are also required by humans and they act as a source of energy in the human body.