How many ATP molecules are produced through oxidation in aerobic respiration?

In aerobic respiration, the complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose primarily leads to the production of approximately 32 to 34 ATP molecules. This process occurs through several stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain.

During glycolysis, 2 ATP molecules are generated directly and 2 NADH molecules are produced, which can later contribute to ATP production. In the Krebs cycle, additional NADH and FADH2 molecules are created, which transport high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain. The majority of ATP is produced during the electron transport chain when these electrons are transferred through a series of proteins, leading to the formation of a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase.

The total yield can vary slightly depending on the cell type and efficiency of the electron transport; however, the general consensus is that aerobic respiration results in roughly 32 to 34 ATP molecules per glucose molecule oxidized, making this the correct answer.