Question

How can variability in metabolism lead to differences in the ATP yield? Provide an example.

Answer 1

Metabolism is the set of all the chemical reactions that is occuring inside our body. It can vary depending on the kind of metabolism that is occuring. Depending on the different metabolism, the amount of ATP generated will also vary. The two major kind of metabolism are aerobic metabolism and anaerobic metabolism and they are highly distinguishable from each other. Aerobic metabolism occurs when the body needs a large amount of oxygen, say during a run. The glycolysis is the first step in the aerobic metabolism where glucose is metabolised gives pyruvate as the end product. On the other hand, anaerobic metabolism occurs when there is no presence of oxygen, say during lifting heavy weights. During this metabolism, the pyruvate is converted to lactic acid. The ATP yield in anaerobic metabolism is much less than for aerobic metabolism. 39 ATP molecules are produced in aerobic metabolism and only 3 ATP are produced during anaerobic metabolism. In this way variation in metabolism can alter the yield of ATP.