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Review: Total ATP from One Glucose Molecule

publish date: 2026/06/21 20:08:5.783176 UTC

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Approximately how many ATP molecules can be produced from one glucose molecule when the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation are both available, compared to glycolysis alone?

Up to about 10 ATP, versus only 2 from glycolysis alone

Exactly 2 ATP either way

Up to about 38 ATP, versus only 2 from glycolysis alone

Up to about 100 ATP, versus only 2 from glycolysis alone

Correct Answer

Up to about 38 ATP, versus only 2 from glycolysis alone

Explanation

Glycolysis alone yields a net of only about 2 ATP molecules per glucose. When the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation are also available, the total potential yield rises dramatically, to as many as 38 ATP molecules.

Reference

Biology: A self-teaching guide

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