Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

22. Carbohydrate Metabolism

Total Energy from Glucose

GOB Chemistry

22. Carbohydrate Metabolism

Total Energy from Glucose

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1:36 minutes

Problem 55c

Textbook Question

What is the ATP energy yield associated with each of the following?
c. 2 pyruvate → 2 acetyl CoA + 2CO₂

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA occurs during the transition step between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. This process is catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and involves the decarboxylation of pyruvate.

Identify the energy yield: During this reaction, each pyruvate molecule is oxidized to form one acetyl CoA molecule, releasing one molecule of CO₂. Additionally, one molecule of NAD⁺ is reduced to NADH per pyruvate. Since the problem involves 2 pyruvate molecules, 2 NADH molecules are produced.

Recall the ATP equivalence of NADH: In cellular respiration, each NADH molecule contributes to the production of ATP during oxidative phosphorylation. Typically, one NADH molecule yields approximately 2.5 ATP molecules.

Calculate the total ATP yield: Multiply the number of NADH molecules produced (2 NADH) by the ATP yield per NADH (2.5 ATP). This gives the total ATP yield associated with the conversion of 2 pyruvate to 2 acetyl CoA.

Summarize the process: The ATP energy yield from this reaction is derived entirely from the NADH molecules produced during the oxidation of pyruvate. No direct ATP is generated in this step, but the NADH contributes to ATP production later in the electron transport chain.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

ATP Yield in Cellular Respiration

ATP yield refers to the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) produced during cellular respiration processes. In the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA, which occurs in the mitochondria, each pyruvate molecule generates one molecule of NADH, contributing to the overall ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.

Pyruvate Decarboxylation

Pyruvate decarboxylation is the process where pyruvate, produced from glycolysis, is converted into acetyl CoA. This reaction releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and is catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, playing a crucial role in linking glycolysis to the citric acid cycle.

NADH and ATP Production

NADH is a key electron carrier in cellular respiration, generated during glycolysis and the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA. Each NADH can yield approximately 2.5 ATP when oxidized in the electron transport chain, thus significantly contributing to the total ATP yield from the metabolism of glucose.