Question

The catabolism of one molecule of glucose results in the production of about 38 ATP’s. A new mutation has been discovered that results in the production of only 19 ATP^ prime s from one molecule of glucose. This new mutation has been narrowed down to something within glycolysis. What within glycolysis can account for the production of only half the number of ATP’s? Explain.

Answer 1

Glycolysis consist of an energy requiring and energy production phase and the net result is 2 ATP

The energy production phase of glycolysis happens when fructose 6 phosphate breaks down into 2 three carbons molecules dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate (G3P). Now this G3P further undergoes chemical reactions to yield pyruvate thus  generating 2 ATP

Again, DHAP is also converted to G3P by enzyme triose phosphate isomerase and the reactions mentioned takes place producing pyruvate and thereby 2 ATP.

Therefore totally 4 ATP is produced and in the energy requiring phase 2 ATP are required therefore net energy outcome of glycolysis is 2 ATP

Now chances of a mutation that will reduce the energy yield by half within glycolysis may be the reversible convertion of DHAP to G3P not taking place .

Mutation can occur where the fructose 6 phosphate does not split equally anf thereby reduction in the ATP can occur.