Question

for each mole of glucose (c₆h₁₂o₆) completely oxidized by cellular respiration, how many moles of co₂ are released in the citric acid cycle (see figure below)?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze glucose oxidation

One glucose molecule ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) is broken down. Through glycolysis, it forms two pyruvate molecules. Each pyruvate is converted to acetyl - CoA.

Step2: Citric acid cycle per acetyl - CoA

Each acetyl - CoA enters the citric acid cycle. In the citric acid cycle, for each acetyl - CoA, two $CO_2$ molecules are released.

Step3: Calculate for one glucose

Since one glucose gives two acetyl - CoA (from two pyruvate, after glycolysis and pyruvate oxidation), the total $CO_2$ from citric acid cycle is \(2\times2 = 4\) moles.

Answer:

4 moles