Prokaryotes and eukaryotes produce different amounts of ATP per glucose molecule due to differences in their cellular structure and metabolic pathways.
In prokaryotes, the process of cellular respiration occurs in the cytoplasm and the cell membrane. Since prokaryotes lack mitochondria, the entire process of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation takes place in the cytoplasm. This allows for a more efficient transfer of energy, resulting in the production of 38 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
In eukaryotes, cellular respiration is more compartmentalized. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, while the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation take place in the mitochondria. The transport of molecules across the mitochondrial membrane requires energy, which slightly reduces the overall ATP yield. As a result, eukaryotes produce 36 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
Additionally, the electron transport chain in eukaryotes is less efficient due to the presence of a more complex membrane system, which also contributes to the lower ATP yield compared to prokaryotes.