Which of the following molecules will produce the most ATP per mole? (18.5, 18.6)


a. glucose or maltose

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecules involved: glucose and maltose.
2. Understand that ATP production is related to the breakdown of these molecules during cellular respiration.
3. Recall that glucose is a monosaccharide, while maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose units.
4. Consider that each glucose molecule can undergo glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP.
5. Recognize that maltose, being composed of two glucose units, can potentially yield more ATP than a single glucose molecule when fully metabolized.

Key Concepts

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is the metabolic process by which cells convert nutrients into energy, specifically ATP. It involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding this process is crucial for determining how different molecules, like glucose and maltose, are broken down to produce ATP.

ATP Yield from Carbohydrates

Different carbohydrates yield varying amounts of ATP upon metabolism. For instance, glucose typically produces about 30-32 ATP molecules per mole, while maltose, a disaccharide, is broken down into two glucose units, potentially yielding a similar amount. Recognizing these differences is essential for comparing their energy outputs.

Molecular Structure and Energy Content

The molecular structure of carbohydrates affects their energy content and how efficiently they can be metabolized. Glucose, a monosaccharide, is more readily utilized in cellular respiration compared to maltose, which requires additional enzymatic steps for breakdown. This structural difference influences the total ATP produced from each molecule.