Explain, with complete sentences, how prokaryotes gen
mplete sentences, how prokaryotes generate an average of two more ATP's than
eukaryotes during aerobic respiration
HINT: Membrane-bound organelles
In eukaryotes, 2 ATP molecules out of the total 4 produced in glycolysis are used up to transport the NADH molecule into the mitochondria.
Explanation:
The glycolytic pathway in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes generates 4 ATP molecules and 1 NADH per glucose.
In eukaryotes, the next step of cellular respiration, the Kreb's cycle takes place inside the mitochondria. 2 ATPs out of the initial 4 are used by NADH as they cross the mitochondrial membrane.
The 4 ATP remain intact in prokaryotes as cellular respiration takes place in the cytoplasm and cell membrane.
The conversion of 2 pyruvate molecules into Acetyl Co-A by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex produces 2 NADH.
Kreb's cycle produces 2 ATPs, 6 NADH and 2 FADH2.
All in all, 10 NADH and 2 FADH2 molecules enter the Electron Transport Chain (ETC).
Each NADH yields 3 ATP. Therefore, 10*3=30 ATP.
Each FADH2 yields 2 ATP. Therefore, 2*2= 4 ATP.
Therefore, the 4 ATP from glycolysis plus 34 ATP generated in the Kreb's cycle and the electron transport chain gives a total of 38 ATP.
