Question

Is it true that 38 ATPs are produced by Human cells? Because, according to what I read, it's supposed to be 36 ATPs for humans and 38 ATPs for plants.

Answer 1

36/ 38 ATPs are produced during aerobic respiration.

Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. Pyruvate formed as an end product of glycolysis has to be transported inside the mitochondria where it has to undergo Kreb's cycle. This entry of pyruvate is free in some organisms while it requires the expenditure of 2 ATPs in other organisms. This is the reason why in some organisms the net gain of ATPs in an aerobic respiration is 36 while in others it is 38.