How many molecules of ATP are formed during the complete catabolism of a saturated fatty acid with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)20CO2H?

Explanation:

In case, we can start with the structure of . When we draw the molecule, we will obtain a total amount of 22 carbons. So, in order to calculate the total amount of ATP we have to make several questions:

How many Acetyl CoA is produced?

To calculate the total Acetyl Coa we have to use the equation:

, where n is the amount of carbons, so:

How many rounds take place?

To calculate the rounds we have to use the equation:

, where n is the amount of carbons, so:

How many and are produced for this fatty acid?

For each round, we will have 1 and 1 , if we have 10 rounds. In total, we will have 10

How many ATP are formed?

The ATP would be formed in the electron transport chain and each coenzyme will have a different yield of ATP. So for the total calculation, we have to keep in mind the following relationships:

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So, know we can do the total calculation:

We have to subtract  "2 ATP" molecules that correspond to the activation of the fatty acid, so:

In total, we will have 148 ATP.

See figure 1

I hope it helps!