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AAT Bioquest

Why is the number of ATP not known exactly?

Posted September 16, 2022


Answer

The reason why the number is not known exactly is because of the inconsistency in the degree of coupling between the electron transport and proton flow through the ATPase. 

The number of ATP in eukaryotic cells is estimated to be between 35 and 39. This is known as the theoretical maximum yield of ATP.

Additional resources

Imaging Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

How to quantitate ATP induced calcium flux inside mammalian cells using fluorescent calcium indicators

PhosphoWorks™ Luminometric ATP Assay Kit *DTT-Free*