Formation of the maximum number of acetyl CoA molecules from one glucose,produces ______________ molecules of carbon dioxide.
A)no
B)one
C)two
D)four

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the complete breakdown of one glucose molecule through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and subsequent steps, two molecules of acetyl CoA are produced, which enter the citric acid cycle. Each acetyl CoA molecule is completely oxidized in the cycle to produce two molecules of carbon dioxide, totaling four CO2 molecules. However, the question specifically asks for the formation of acetyl CoA, which occurs during the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA, where one molecule of CO2 is released per pyruvate. Since one glucose produces two pyruvates (and thus two acetyl CoAs), two molecules of CO2 are released during this specific conversion step.

Formation of the Maximum Number of Acetyl CoA Molecules from One