How much total ATP can be created by the complete anaerobic and aerobic metabolism of 1 molecule of glucose?

The total ATP generated from the complete metabolism of one molecule of glucose through both anaerobic and aerobic pathways can be understood by examining the two processes involved: glycolysis (anaerobic) and cellular respiration (aerobic).

In anaerobic metabolism, glycolysis breaks down glucose into pyruvate, generating 2 ATP molecules. If pyruvate is metabolized anaerobically through fermentation, such as in muscle cells during intense exercise, it produces lactic acid without additional ATP yield.

In aerobic metabolism, once glycolysis has occurred and if oxygen is available, pyruvate is converted into Acetyl-CoA, entering the Krebs Cycle (also known as the Citric Acid Cycle). In this cycle, one glucose molecule results in a significant yield of ATP, primarily through the electron transport chain, where a total of about 30-32 ATP molecules (depending on various factors like the efficiency of the system and the shuttle mechanisms used to transport electrons) can be produced.

Adding the ATP from glycolysis (2) to the ATP produced from the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (which can range from 30-32), the total for aerobic metabolism can reach up to 36 molecules of ATP.

Thus, considering all aspects of aerobic metabolism