Question

How many ATP molecules are produced per Krebs’ Cycle in eukaryotes?

(a) 2 ATP

(b) 36 ATP

(c) 38 ATP

(d) 24 ATP

The question was asked in an online interview.

Question is from Mitochondrial Structure and Function in section Mitochondrial Structure and Function of Cell Biology

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(a) 2 ATP

During the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle) in eukaryotes, 2 ATP molecules are produced per cycle. This is through substrate-level phosphorylation. The cycle itself also generates other high-energy molecules like NADH and FADH2, which later contribute to the production of ATP in the electron transport chain. However, the direct ATP yield from the Krebs cycle is 2 ATP per cycle.