NAFC Nutrition Coach Practice Exam

A typical cell is able to convert approximately 40% of the energy contained in glucose into ATP during cellular respiration. This process occurs through several stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, primarily in the mitochondria. During these processes, energy stored in glucose is transformed into ATP, which cells use as a primary energy source for various functions.

The efficiency of about 40% is considered relatively high compared to many other biological energy transformations, reflecting the effectiveness of aerobic processes in extracting energy. The remaining energy is primarily released as heat due to the inherent inefficiencies and energy losses during the conversion processes, such as in the electron transport chain and other cellular mechanisms. Understanding this efficiency is crucial for comprehending how cells meet their energy demands and the balance between energy production and energy expenditure.