What is the energy yield from one molecule of glucose in aerobic respiration?

One molecule of glucose in aerobic respiration yields approximately 38 ATP molecules.

Aerobic respiration is a process that takes place in the mitochondria of cells, where glucose is broken down to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process involves three main stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

In the first stage, glycolysis, one molecule of glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, yielding a net gain of 2 ATP molecules. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and does not require oxygen, hence it is also part of anaerobic respiration.

The two molecules of pyruvate then enter the mitochondria, where they are further broken down in the Krebs cycle. This cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, produces 2 ATP molecules, as well as NADH and FADH2, which are electron carriers.

The final stage is the electron transport chain, which takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here, the electrons from NADH and FADH2 are transferred through a series of proteins, which drives the production of ATP. This stage produces the majority of the ATP in aerobic respiration, approximately 34 ATP molecules.

Therefore, the total energy yield from one molecule of glucose in aerobic respiration is approximately 38 ATP molecules. However, it's important to note that this is an approximation. The actual number can vary depending on several factors, including the efficiency of the electron transport chain and the transport of ATP out of the mitochondria.