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Multiple Choice
Each turn of the citric acid cycle directly produces how many ATP molecules?
A
4 ATP
B
1 ATP
C
3 ATP
D
2 ATP
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a key metabolic pathway that generates energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Recognize that the primary purpose of the citric acid cycle is to produce high-energy electron carriers, NADH and FADH2, which are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP.
Identify that during each turn of the citric acid cycle, one molecule of GTP (or ATP, depending on the cell type) is produced directly through substrate-level phosphorylation.
Note that while the cycle itself directly produces only one ATP (or GTP) per turn, the NADH and FADH2 generated will lead to the production of additional ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation.
Conclude that the direct production of ATP in the citric acid cycle is limited to one molecule per cycle turn, with the majority of ATP being produced later in the electron transport chain.