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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2:37 minutes

Problem 51c

Textbook Question

List the energy yield in ATP molecules for each of the following:
c. 2 Pyruvate → 2 acetyl CoA + 2 CO₂

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: The conversion of 2 pyruvate molecules to 2 acetyl CoA molecules involves the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This process also produces 2 molecules of CO₂ and generates energy in the form of NADH.

Recall the energy yield: Each pyruvate molecule produces 1 NADH during its conversion to acetyl CoA. Since there are 2 pyruvate molecules, this results in 2 NADH molecules.

Determine the ATP equivalence: NADH molecules are used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP. Each NADH typically yields approximately 2.5 ATP molecules during oxidative phosphorylation.

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

Summarize the process: The conversion of 2 pyruvate to 2 acetyl CoA yields 2 NADH, which corresponds to approximately 5 ATP molecules when processed through 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.

Glycolysis

Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, yielding a net gain of 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. This process occurs in the cytoplasm and is anaerobic, meaning it does not require oxygen. Understanding glycolysis is essential for determining the energy yield from pyruvate conversion.

Pyruvate Decarboxylation

Pyruvate decarboxylation is the process by which pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a byproduct. This reaction occurs in the mitochondria and is catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Importantly, this step does not produce ATP directly but is crucial for linking glycolysis to the citric acid cycle.

Acetyl CoA and the Citric Acid Cycle

Acetyl CoA is a key molecule that enters the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), where it undergoes a series of reactions to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH2. Each acetyl CoA contributes to the generation of energy, with each cycle yielding additional ATP and electron carriers that are vital for cellular respiration. Understanding this cycle is important for calculating the total ATP yield from glucose metabolism.