How many ATP molecules are ideally produced from one molecule of glucose in cellular respiration?

In cellular respiration, the process by which glucose is metabolized to produce energy, a total of 38 ATP molecules can be generated from one molecule of glucose in prokaryotic cells. This higher yield is primarily due to the lack of a mitochondrion in these cells, which means that the electron transport chain operates on the plasma membrane. As a result, all the protons pumped out during the electron transport chain can be used effectively to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation without costly ATP transport.

The ideal ATP count varies slightly between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells due to differences in mitochondrial processes and ATP transport mechanisms across membranes. In eukaryotic cells, the number drops to around 36 ATP because of the energy cost associated with transporting NADH produced in glycolysis into mitochondria.

Understanding these nuances in cellular respiration is critical, as it highlights how cellular structures and functions influence energy yield. Therefore, the figure of 38 ATP for prokaryotic cells accurately reflects their efficient energy production from glucose.