Question

Total number of ATP molecules created during glycolysis = ________

Number of ATP molecules used to perform glycolysis = ________
The net total of ATP molecules created during glycolysis = ________

Answer 1

During glycolysis, the net production of ATP is zero. After glycolysis, the number of ATP, NADH, and FADH2 must be multiplied by two to account for each glucose molecule producing two pyruvate molecules. In the Electron Transport Chain (ETC), three ATP are produced for every oxidized NADH, while only two ATP are produced for every oxidized FADH2.

Step-by-step explanation:

A net of two ATP are produced through glycolysis (four produced and two consumed during the energy-consuming stage). However, these two ATP are used for transporting the NADH produced during glycolysis from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria. Therefore, the net production of ATP during glycolysis is zero.

In all phases after glycolysis, the number of ATP, NADH, and FADH2 produced must be multiplied by two to reflect how each glucose molecule produces two pyruvate molecules.

In the ETC, about three ATP are produced for every oxidized NADH. However, only about two ATP are produced for every oxidized FADH2. The electrons from FADH₂ produce less ATP, because they start at a lower point in the ETC (Complex II) compared to the electrons from NADH (Complex I).