Which energy molecule gives 10.5 kcal/ molecule?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of the energy yield of various metabolic pathways. In biochemistry, different energy molecules have distinct energy yields when broken down to form ATP. The correct answer is a specific energy molecule that provides 10.5 kcal/molecule.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). When ATP is broken down to ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate, it releases energy in the form of ATP hydrolysis. The standard free energy change (ΞG) for this reaction is approximately 7.3 kcal/mol. However, when considering the complete breakdown of ATP to ADP and phosphate, the energy yield increases to 10.5 kcal/mol. This is because the phosphate group is released, increasing the energy yield.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** NADH - NADH is a coenzyme involved in various redox reactions, but it does not provide energy in the form of ATP. Its energy yield is not 10.5 kcal/mol.
**Option B:** FADH2 - FADH2 is another coenzyme involved in redox reactions, but similar to NADH, it does not provide energy in the form of ATP. Its energy yield is not 10.5 kcal/mol.
**Option C:** Glucose - Glucose is a carbohydrate that provides energy through cellular respiration. However, its energy yield is not 10.5 kcal/mol. The complete breakdown of glucose to CO2 and water through cellular respiration yields approximately 36-38 kcal/mol.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The energy yield of ATP breakdown is crucial for cellular function, and understanding this concept is essential for grasping various biochemical pathways and their energy requirements.
**Correct Answer:** A. ATP.