how many atps are there in one fat molecule with three phosphate tails that have 18 carbons each
To determine the number of ATP molecules produced from the complete oxidation of one fat molecule, we need to follow a series of steps. As part of these steps, we need to know the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain and the number of ATP molecules generated per carbon during oxidation.
Step 1: Calculate the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain
Based on the information provided, the fatty acid chain has three phosphate tails, each containing 18 carbon atoms. So, the total number of carbon atoms in one fat molecule would be 18 x 3 = 54.
Step 2: Convert carbon atoms to acetyl-CoA molecules
During the breakdown of a fatty acid chain, each two-carbon segment is converted into one molecule of acetyl-CoA. Since acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle, we need to determine the number of acetyl-CoA molecules produced.
To find the number of acetyl-CoA molecules, divide the total number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain by 2 (since each acetyl-CoA molecule consists of 2 carbon atoms): 54 / 2 = 27 acetyl-CoA molecules.
Step 3: Calculate the ATP yield per acetyl-CoA
During the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), each acetyl-CoA molecule undergoes a series of reactions, resulting in the production of energy-rich molecules like NADH and FADH2. These energy carriers go on to generate ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation.
On average, each acetyl-CoA molecule produces about 10 ATP molecules through oxidative phosphorylation.
Step 4: Determine the total ATP production
Now, multiply the number of acetyl-CoA molecules (27) by the ATP yield per acetyl-CoA (10) to find the total ATP production: 27 x 10 = 270 ATP molecules.
Therefore, the complete oxidation of one fat molecule with three phosphate tails, each containing 18 carbon atoms, can yield approximately 270 ATP molecules.