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MDCAT Biology QUESTION #11246
Question 1
During aerobic respiration, how many net ATP molecules are produced from the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose?
  • 30
  • 32✔️
  • 36
  • 38
Correct Answer Explanation
The complete oxidation of one glucose molecule yields approximately $30$-$32$ ATP. Glycolysis yields $2$ ATP (net), the Krebs cycle yields $2$ ATP (via GTP), and oxidative phosphorylation yields about $26$-$28$ ATP from NADH and FADH$_2$. Modern estimates suggest $30$-$32$ ATP due to proton leak and shuttle costs.