What is the total ATP yield from one molecule of glucose after glycolysis and full oxidation in the Citric Acid Cycle?

The total ATP yield from one molecule of glucose during glycolysis and subsequent oxidation in the Citric Acid Cycle is approximately 30-32 ATP. This figure encompasses the ATP generated through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (or Citric Acid Cycle), and the oxidative phosphorylation process.

Following glycolysis, a net gain of 2 ATP molecules is produced directly and 2 NADH molecules, which during oxidative phosphorylation can contribute to the generation of additional ATP. Each NADH can yield about 2.5 ATP when oxidized in the electron transport chain.

As glucose progresses through the Citric Acid Cycle, it produces 6 NADH and 2 FADH2 molecules per one glucose molecule. Each NADH contributes to approximately 2.5 ATP, while each FADH2 yields about 1.5 ATP. Thus, the total ATP yield, when combining the contributions from glycolysis and the Citric Acid Cycle, tiers upwards to the 30-32 range when taking into account the efficiency of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase.

This range reflects the variability in ATP yield based on cellular conditions, proton motive force, and other mitochondrial processes, supporting the conclusion that the total ATP yield is indeed in the range of 30-