Free Energy / ATP

[UMich1344]

Which compound has the highest free energy and produces the most ATP when oxidized?
A. acetyl CoA
B. glucose
C. pyruvate
D. carbon
E. both pyruvate and carbon


I've spent the past hour looking for this answer within my textbook or through Google searches. I can't seem to locate any information regarding the free energy that compounds have nor any information on the ATP produced during the oxidation of these compounds. Can someone please shed some light on this question by either explaining how I can figure it out on my own or leading me in the right direction in my research for the answer?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[JackBean]

Hi,

well, the enrgy is released by oxidation of all of these compounds (well, except of the carbon;). So, the more energy you need, the more oxidise you must. As the finnal product is always CO2 (let's say so), than, the more reduced form you have, the more energy you can gain
Basically, you can look to the saccharide metabolism and see, which substance is where and by that you can say, that it will produce more ATP, as it take longer path to metabolise it
Anyway, you won't find carbon in these pathways, but basically it's the most reduces form from all listed substances