MDCAT Biology MCQ #295

A medical student compares the ATP yield of a glucose molecule in a heart cell versus a brain cell. What is the difference?

MDCAT Biology MCQ #295

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A medical student compares the ATP yield of a glucose molecule in a heart cell versus a brain cell. What is the difference?

    • A) 34 vs 32 ATP
    • B) 38 vs 36 ATP
    • C) 40 vs 38 ATP
    • D) 36 vs 34 ATP

    Answer: 38 vs 36 ATP

    Explanation: Heart/liver use the malate-aspartate shuttle yielding 38 ATP; brain cells are tempting but they use the glycerol-phosphate shuttle.