Glycolysis

Definition

Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH. It occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and does not require oxygen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Glycolysis produces a net gain of 2 ATP molecules per glucose molecule.
2. It consists of 10 enzymatic steps, divided into an energy investment phase and an energy payoff phase.
3. Two molecules of NADH are produced during glycolysis.
4. Glycolysis is the first step in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
5. The end products of glycolysis are two molecules of pyruvate, which can further enter the Krebs cycle or fermentation pathways.

Review Questions

• What are the end products of glycolysis?
• How many ATP molecules are net gained from one molecule of glucose during glycolysis?
• In which part of the cell does glycolysis occur?

Related terms

Krebs Cycle: A series of chemical reactions used by aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy carrier in all living organisms on earth.

NADH: A coenzyme that carries electrons from one reaction to another in cellular respiration.