Biochemistry · Carbohydrate Metabolism (Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, Glycogen, HMP Shunt)

During conversion of one molecule of glucose to two molecules of lactate under anaerobic conditions, what is the net ATP yield, and at which reactions does substrate-level phosphorylation occur?

  • A Net 2 ATP, at phosphoglycerate kinase and pyruvate kinase
  • B Net 4 ATP, at hexokinase and phosphofructokinase-1
  • C Net 2 ATP, at glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and enolase
  • D Net 6 ATP, at phosphoglycerate kinase and enolase
Correct answer: A. Net 2 ATP, at phosphoglycerate kinase and pyruvate kinase

Explanation

Anaerobic glycolysis yields a gross of 4 ATP per glucose from two substrate-level phosphorylation steps per half-glucose: phosphoglycerate kinase (1,3-BPG to 3-PG) and pyruvate kinase (PEP to pyruvate). Two ATP are invested at hexokinase and PFK-1, giving a net of 2. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and enolase produce NADH and water respectively, not ATP directly.

Reference: Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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