Question

According to new studies one molecule of NADH releases 2.5 ATPs and one molecule of FADH${}_2$ releases 1.5 ATPs, then the number of equivalent ATPs generated in ETC from 1 molecule of acetyl CoA is

• A. 10
• B. 12
• C. 12.5
• D. 15

Answer 1

The correct option is A 10

From 1 molecule of acetyl CoA, 3 molecules of NADH and 1 molecule of FADH${}_2$ is generated and 1 molecule of ATP is also generated through substrate level phosphorylation.

1 Acetyl CoA = 3 NADH + 1 FADH${}_2$ + 1 ATP
= 3×2.5 ATP + 1×1.5 ATP + 1 ATP
= 7.5 ATP + 1.5 ATP + 1 ATP
= 10 ATP

Hence, the number of equivalent ATPs generated in ETC from 1 molecule of acetyl CoA is 10 ATPs.