ATP yield from palmitate
Using 2.5 ATP per NADH, 1.5 per FADH2, and 10 per acetyl-CoA, what is the net ATP yield from complete oxidation of one palmitate (16:0)?
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
This omits the 7 FADH2, which contribute 10.5 ATP.
B
Correct. Seven cycles give 7 NADH (17.5 ATP) and 7 FADH2 (10.5 ATP), plus 8 acetyl-CoA (80 ATP), for 108. Subtracting 2 ATP equivalents for activation gives 106.
C
This omits the 2 ATP equivalents used to activate palmitate to palmitoyl-CoA.
D
This uses older values of 3 ATP per NADH, 2 per FADH2, and 12 per acetyl-CoA, minus activation.
Takeawayn-carbon saturated fatty acid: (n/2 − 1) cycles, n/2 acetyl-CoA, minus 2 ATP for activation.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb161.