How many ATP are produced by the complex oxidation of two molecules of isocetrate by ETS only?

Options

A. 24
B. 11
C. 30
D. 22

Answer

To determine how many ATP molecules are produced by the complex oxidation of two molecules of isocitrate by the Electron Transport System (ETS), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Role of Isocitrate
Isocitrate is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and is involved in cellular respiration. It is important to note that isocitrate itself does not directly produce ATP; instead, it is converted into other compounds that contribute to ATP production through the ETS.

### Step 2: Identify the Conversion of Isocitrate
In the citric acid cycle, isocitrate is converted into alpha-ketoglutarate. This conversion involves the reduction of NAD+ to NADH. For each molecule of isocitrate, one molecule of NADH is produced.

### Step 3: Calculate NADH Production
Since we are considering two molecules of isocitrate:
- 2 molecules of isocitrate will produce 2 NADH molecules (1 NADH per isocitrate).

### Step 4: Determine ATP Yield from NADH
Each NADH molecule produced in the Krebs cycle can be used in the ETS to generate ATP. The typical yield from one NADH molecule is approximately 2.5 ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation.

### Step 5: Calculate Total ATP from NADH
Now, we can calculate the total ATP produced from the 2 NADH molecules:
- 2 NADH x 2.5 ATP/NADH = 5 ATP.

### Conclusion
Thus, the complex oxidation of two molecules of isocitrate by the ETS results in the production of **5 ATP molecules**.

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