How many high-energy phosphate molecules are formed from one glucose molecule ?

Answer

To determine how many high-energy phosphate molecules are formed from one glucose molecule, we need to analyze the glycolysis process, which is the breakdown of glucose.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Glycolysis**: Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing energy in the form of ATP and NADH in the process.

2. **ATP Production**: During glycolysis, a total of 4 ATP molecules are produced. However, it's important to note that 2 ATP molecules are consumed in the initial steps of glycolysis.

3. **Net ATP Calculation**: The net gain of ATP from glycolysis is calculated as follows:
- Total ATP produced: 4 ATP
- ATP consumed: 2 ATP
- Net ATP = 4 ATP - 2 ATP = 2 ATP

4. **NADH Production**: In addition to ATP, glycolysis also produces 2 NADH molecules. Each NADH can be converted into ATP during oxidative phosphorylation. The conversion rate is approximately 2.5 ATP per NADH.

5. **ATP from NADH**: Therefore, from 2 NADH, the total ATP produced is:
- 2 NADH × 2.5 ATP/NADH = 5 ATP

6. **Total High-Energy Phosphate Molecules**: Now, we can sum the ATP produced directly from glycolysis and the ATP produced from NADH:
- Direct ATP from glycolysis: 2 ATP (net)
- ATP from NADH: 5 ATP
- Total high-energy phosphate molecules = 2 ATP + 5 ATP = 7 ATP

### Final Answer:
From one glucose molecule, a total of **7 high-energy phosphate molecules (ATP)** are formed during glycolysis.

---