Frequency Table by Subtopic (NEET 2015–2024)
| Subtopic | Approx. NEET Frequency | Key Facts Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Total ATP yield (38/36 per glucose) | Very High (asked almost every year) | 38 ATP standard; 36 with glycerol-3-P shuttle |
| Location of glycolysis (cytoplasm) | High | Trap: students place it in mitochondria |
| RQ values (carbs = 1.0, fats = 0.7, organic acids > 1) | High | RQ formula; substrate identification from RQ value |
| Final electron acceptor in ETS () | High | → at Complex IV |
| enters at Complex II (not Complex I) | High | Reason gives 2 ATP, not 3 ATP |
| TCA cycle intermediates (correct sequence) | Medium-High | 8 intermediates, CIKSSFMO mnemonic |
| Fermentation products (ethanol/C vs lactate) | Medium | Organism type determines product |
| Chemiosmosis — Peter Mitchell | Medium | Hypothesis, - ATP synthase role |
| Amphibolic nature of TCA cycle | Medium | Definition + examples (OAA → aspartate) |
| PFK as rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis | Medium | Allosteric inhibition by ATP/citrate |
| Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex cofactors | Medium | TPP, N, CoA; deficiency = Beriberi |
| Substrate-level vs oxidative phosphorylation | Medium | Where each type occurs |
| RQ of CAM plants = infinity | Low-Medium | Conceptual — no external gas exchange at night |
High-Yield Tip
NEET almost always includes one question on ATP yield and one on RQ values or ETS in any given year. Master these topics thoroughly — they account for 1–2 guaranteed marks.