Cells can generate as many as 36 to 38 molecules of adenosine triphosphate (atp) from the metabolism of one molecule of glucose. which cellular process results in this amount of atp production?

Living organisms undergo a metabolic (catabolic) process in which they use to produce the usable form of energy required by their cells for performing vital functions. This process is called CELLULAR RESPIRATION. Cellular respiration is the biochemical process by which cells breakdown organic molecules (glucose) to yield ATP (energy), CO2 and water. Organisms consume food, process them via digestion and absorbs high energy storing sugar molecules (glucose) in their cells. They breakdown this molecules and use the freed energy to power their movement and physiological functioning.

This process of cellular respiration can either occur in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) or without oxygen (anaerobic). The aerobic respiration which occurs in the cytosol of prokaryotes and both the mitochondria and cytosol of eukaryotes consists of Glycolysis, Kreb's cycle and Oxidative phosphorylation. The overall process results in the production of 38 ATP molecules in prokaryotic cells and 36 ATP molecules in eukaryotic cells.

N.B: The lost 2 ATP molecules is used to transport the intermediate substances to the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells.