Topic Cellular Respiration: Q) How does one glucose molecule produce 38 ATP via substrate level phosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation?

Substrate level phosphorylation (4 ATP)

In glycolysis, net gain of 2 ATP

In the Kreb cycle, net gain of 2 ATP (cycle rotates twice per glucose)

Oxidative phosphorylation (34 ATP)
10 NADH are formed : glycolysis (2), link reaction (2) and Krebs cycle (6)

2 FADH₂ are formed from Krebs cycle

Since 1 NADH produces 3 ATP while 1 FADH₂ produces 2 ATP, 34 ATP are produced

Total no. of ATP / glucose = 4 + 34 = 38