GLYCOLYSIS

    Glycolysis is a fundamental metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy. It occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and can function in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Here’s a brief overview:

Steps in Glycolysis:

  1. Glucose Activation:

    • Glucose is phosphorylated using ATP, forming glucose-6-phosphate.
  2. Isomerization:

    • Glucose-6-phosphate is converted into fructose-6-phosphate.
  3. Second Phosphorylation:

    • Fructose-6-phosphate is phosphorylated again, forming fructose-1,6-bisphosphate.
  4. Cleavage:

    • Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is split into two three-carbon molecules: dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P).
  5. Energy Harvesting:

    • G3P undergoes several transformations, resulting in the production of ATP and NADH.
  6. Final Products:

    • The pathway ends with the production of two molecules of pyruvate, along with a net gain of 2 ATP and 2 NADH.

SIGNIFICANCE:

  • Location: Cytoplasm
  • Net Gain: 2 ATP, 2 NADH, and 2 pyruvate per glucose molecule.
  • Importance: Provides energy and intermediates for other metabolic pathways.

Glycolysis is essential for cellular respiration and is the first step in both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. 


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