Principles of Biochemistry (2+1)

6.5.3 Production of ATP

Transport of hydrogen atoms and electron from FADH₂ and NADH in the respiratory chain will lead to the synthesis of five high energy phosphates for each of the first seven acetyl-CoA molecules formed by- ß- oxidation of palmitate

                 5x7= 35 by 5 cycles

A total of 8 mol of acetyl-CoA is formed by the complete oxidation of a palmitic acid with 16 carbon atoms. Each  acetyl-CoA will give rise to 12 ATP on oxidation in the citric acid cycle,

                8 x 12 =96ATP

Two ATP molecules that are used for the initial activation of the fatty acid must be subtracted, yielding a net gain of 129 mol of ATP per mole of oxidation.

                 

                                            Molecules of ATP formed

1. Palmitate to palmitylCoA                           : -2

2. Palmityl CoA to 8 Acetyl CoA

   a) 7FADH₂ to 7FAD         (7x3=14)            : 14

  b) 7NADH+H⁺ to 7NAD⁺    (7x3=21)          : 21  

3. 8 AcetylCoA to 16CO₂+8H₂O+8CoASH  ; 96

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                        Net production                     129

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