For each glucose that enters glycolysis, how many [tex]NADH + H ^{+}[/tex] are produced by the citric acid cycle?
A. 3 to 6
B. 0
C. 6
D. 3
E. 2
Answer (2)
For each glucose molecule that enters glycolysis, the citric acid cycle produces 6 molecules of N A DH + H + . This is achieved through the conversion of glucose to two Acetyl-CoA, with each producing 3 N A DH + H + during the cycle. Hence, the answer is C. 6 .
;
Glycolysis converts one glucose molecule into two pyruvate molecules.
Each pyruvate is converted to Acetyl-CoA, entering the citric acid cycle.
Each Acetyl-CoA produces 3 N A DH + H + molecules in the citric acid cycle.
Therefore, one glucose molecule yields 2 × 3 = 6 N A DH + H + molecules. The answer is 6 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We want to determine how many N A DH + H + molecules are produced by the citric acid cycle for each glucose molecule that enters glycolysis.
Glycolysis First, remember that glycolysis is the process where one glucose molecule is broken down into two pyruvate molecules.
Conversion to Acetyl-CoA Next, each pyruvate molecule is converted into Acetyl-CoA, which then enters the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle). So, one glucose molecule effectively leads to two Acetyl-CoA molecules entering the citric acid cycle.
NADH Production in Citric Acid Cycle For each Acetyl-CoA molecule that enters the citric acid cycle, 3 molecules of N A DH + H + are produced.
Total NADH Production Since one glucose molecule results in two Acetyl-CoA molecules, and each Acetyl-CoA produces 3 N A DH + H + molecules, the total number of N A DH + H + molecules produced per glucose molecule is 2 × 3 = 6 .
Final Answer Therefore, for each glucose molecule that enters glycolysis, 6 N A DH + H + molecules are produced by the citric acid cycle.
Examples
Understanding the production of N A DH in cellular respiration is crucial in fields like sports science and nutrition. For example, athletes need to optimize their energy production during workouts. Knowing that each glucose molecule yields a specific amount of N A DH helps in designing effective dietary plans and training regimens to maximize energy output and performance. This knowledge also aids in understanding metabolic disorders and developing targeted nutritional interventions.
