Which of the following processes results in the largest amount of ATP? O breakdown of glucose to pyruvate generation of glycogen from glucose conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid O breakdown of pyruvate to carbon dioxide and water
Which of the following processes results in the largest amount of ATP? O breakdown of glucose to pyruvate generation of glycogen from glucose conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid O breakdown of pyruvate to carbon dioxide and water
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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Transcribed Image Text:### Cellular Respiration and ATP Production
#### Question:
Which of the following processes results in the largest amount of ATP?
#### Options:
1. Breakdown of glucose to pyruvate
2. Generation of glycogen from glucose
3. Conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid
4. Breakdown of pyruvate to carbon dioxide and water
#### Explanation:
To answer this question, it is important to understand how cells generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell. The primary processes involved are glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation.
1. **Breakdown of glucose to pyruvate (Glycolysis)**:
- This process involves the conversion of glucose into pyruvate.
- It takes place in the cytoplasm.
- Produces a net gain of 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
2. **Generation of glycogen from glucose (Glycogenesis)**:
- This is the process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage.
- It does not generate ATP but rather consumes ATP.
3. **Conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid (Lactic Acid Fermentation)**:
- Occurs in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions).
- Converts pyruvate into lactic acid and regenerates NAD+ for glycolysis.
- Does not produce additional ATP beyond what is generated in glycolysis.
4. **Breakdown of pyruvate to carbon dioxide and water (Cellular Respiration, specifically Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation)**:
- This is the most efficient process for ATP production.
- Occurs in the mitochondria.
- Includes the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.
- Produces up to 34 more ATP molecules per glucose molecule, in addition to the 2 ATP from glycolysis.
The correct answer is **Breakdown of pyruvate to carbon dioxide and water**. This process involves the complete oxidation of pyruvate and produces the largest amount of ATP by far, through the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.
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