Complete oxidation of one molecule of palmitate (C16:0) yields a net of how many ATP?
- A 38
- B 72
- C 106 ✓
- D 129
Correct answer: C. 106
Explanation
Palmitate undergoes 7 cycles of beta-oxidation yielding 8 acetyl-CoA, 7 FADH2 and 7 NADH. Eight acetyl-CoA through the TCA cycle give 96 ATP equivalents, the 7 NADH give 17.5 and 7 FADH2 give 10.5, totalling 124. Subtraction of 2 ATP equivalents consumed in activating palmitate to palmitoyl-CoA gives a net of 106. The figure 129 comes from the old P/O ratio system counting 3 ATP per NADH, and 38 is the classical yield of glucose oxidation.
Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.