If the oxidation of a hypothetical saturated fatty acid produces 78 molecules of ATP, how many ATP molecules are produced by the corresponding monounsaturated fatty acid?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond in their structure, which slightly alters the energy yield during their metabolism. Specifically, the presence of a double bond reduces the number of NADH molecules produced in the beta-oxidation pathway by one (since one less oxidation step occurs). Each NADH molecule can be converted into 2.5 ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, the oxidation of a monounsaturated fatty acid would produce 2.5 ATP molecules less than its saturated counterpart. Since the saturated fatty acid produces 78 ATP molecules, the monounsaturated fatty acid would produce 78 - 2.5 = 75.5 ATP molecules. However, since the options do not include 75.5, and considering the context of the question, it seems there was a mistake in the calculation or interpretation. The correct approach to such a question would typically involve subtracting 2.5 ATP for the double bond, but the options provided do not align with this calculation. Given the options, the closest correct answer based on typical biochemistry knowledge is not accurately represented, suggesting a potential error in the question or answer choices.

If the Oxidation of a Hypothetical Saturated Fatty Acid Produces