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SSC CGL 2025 PYQ — Question 38

SSC CGL - 12 Sep 2025 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q38

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Which stage of cellular respiration produces the highest amount of ATP?

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Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Electron transport chain.

 

The electron transport chain (ETC), located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, produces the highest amount of ATP during cellular respiration—about 32–34 ATP molecules per glucose molecule. It works by transferring electrons from NADH and FADH₂ to oxygen, creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis via ATP synthase.

  • Glycolysis – Produces only 2 ATP per glucose through substrate-level phosphorylation.

  • Krebs cycle (Citric Acid Cycle) – Generates 2 ATP per glucose along with NADH and FADH₂, which feed the ETC.

  • Decomposition – Not a specific stage of cellular respiration; unrelated to ATP production.