Textbook Question
Caprylic acid, CH3 ― (CH2)6 ― COOH, is a C8 fatty acid found in milk.
a. State the number of β oxidation cycles for the complete oxidation of caprylic acid.
Ch.18 Metabolic Pathways and ATP Production
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch.1 Chemistry in Our Lives11
- Ch.2 Chemistry and Measurements80
- Ch.3 Matter and Energy54
- Ch.4 Atoms and Elements51
- Ch.5 Nuclear Chemistry42
- Ch.6 Ionic and Molecular Compounds57
- Ch.7 Chemical Quantities and Reactions41
- Ch.8 Gases29
- Ch.9 Solutions51
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases and Equilibrium65
- Ch.11 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons78
- Ch.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones83
- Ch.13 Carbohydrates54
- Ch.14 Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides90
- Ch.15 Lipids61
- Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes84
- Ch.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis83
- Ch.18 Metabolic Pathways and ATP Production67
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 18, Problem 55c
What is the ATP energy yield associated with each of the following?
c. 2 pyruvate → 2 acetyl CoA + 2CO2
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context: The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA occurs during the transition step between glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. This process is catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and involves the decarboxylation of pyruvate.
Identify the energy yield: During this reaction, each pyruvate molecule is oxidized to form one acetyl CoA molecule, releasing one molecule of CO₂. Additionally, one molecule of NAD⁺ is reduced to NADH per pyruvate. Since the problem involves 2 pyruvate molecules, 2 NADH molecules are produced.
Recall the ATP equivalence of NADH: In cellular respiration, each NADH molecule contributes to the production of ATP during oxidative phosphorylation. Typically, one NADH molecule yields approximately 2.5 ATP molecules.
Calculate the total ATP yield: Multiply the number of NADH molecules produced (2 NADH) by the ATP yield per NADH (2.5 ATP). This gives the total ATP yield associated with the conversion of 2 pyruvate to 2 acetyl CoA.
Summarize the process: The ATP energy yield from this reaction is derived entirely from the NADH molecules produced during the oxidation of pyruvate. No direct ATP is generated in this step, but the NADH contributes to ATP production later in the electron transport chain.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
ATP Yield in Cellular Respiration
ATP yield refers to the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) produced during cellular respiration processes. In the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA, which occurs in the mitochondria, each pyruvate molecule generates one molecule of NADH, contributing to the overall ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:09
Percent Yield
Pyruvate Decarboxylation
Pyruvate decarboxylation is the process where pyruvate, produced from glycolysis, is converted into acetyl CoA. This reaction releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and is catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, playing a crucial role in linking glycolysis to the citric acid cycle.
Recommended video:
Guided course
1:38Pyruvate Oxidation Concept 2
NADH and ATP Production
NADH is a key electron carrier in cellular respiration, generated during glycolysis and the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA. Each NADH can yield approximately 2.5 ATP when oxidized in the electron transport chain, thus significantly contributing to the total ATP yield from the metabolism of glucose.
Recommended video:
Guided course
2:20Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Concept 2
Related Practice
Textbook Question
How is the H+ gradient established?
Textbook Question
Lignoceric acid, CH3 ― (CH2)22 ― COOH, is a C24 fatty acid found in peanut oil in small amounts.
a. State the number of β oxidation cycles for the complete oxidation of lignoceric acid.
Textbook Question
What is the ATP energy yield associated with each of the following?
a. FADH2 → FAD
Textbook Question
How are glycolysis and the citric acid cycle linked to the production of ATP by electron transport?
Textbook Question
What is the ATP energy yield associated with each of the following?
a. NADH → NAD+