Question

please match the blanks (a-f) with the correct number of molecules. breakdown of pyruvate nadh 2 acetic acid co₂ co₂ atp

Explanation:

Step1: Breakdown of pyruvate

When one pyruvate is broken down, it produces 1 \(CO_2\) and 1 \(NADH\). But in cellular respiration, we start with 2 pyruvates. So for \(A\) (\(NADH\)) and \(B\) (\(CO_2\)) from pyruvate breakdown:
For \(A\): Each pyruvate gives 1 \(NADH\), so \(2\times1 = 2\)
For \(B\): Each pyruvate gives 1 \(CO_2\), so \(2\times1=2\)

Step2: Citric - Acid - Cycle

In one turn of the citric - acid cycle (per acetyl - CoA, and since we have 2 pyruvates, there are 2 acetyl - CoA entering the cycle).
For \(C\) (\(NADH\)): Each turn of the citric - acid cycle produces 3 \(NADH\), so \(2\times3 = 6\)
For \(D\) (\(FADH_2\)): Each turn of the citric - acid cycle produces 1 \(FADH_2\), so \(2\times1=2\)
For \(E\) (\(CO_2\)): Each turn of the citric - acid cycle produces 2 \(CO_2\), so \(2\times2 = 4\)
For \(F\) (\(ATP\)): Each turn of the citric - acid cycle produces 1 \(ATP\) (via substrate - level phosphorylation), so \(2\times1=2\)

Answer:

A: 2, B: 2, C: 6, D: 2, E: 4, F: 2