Glicolítica

Glicolítica is a term derived from the Greek words "glykys" meaning sweet and "lysis" meaning breakdown. It refers to the metabolic pathway that converts glucose, a simple sugar, into pyruvate. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of virtually all cells and is a fundamental part of energy production.

The glycolytic pathway involves a series of ten enzymatic reactions. It begins with the activation of glucose through phosphorylation, requiring ATP. Subsequently, the six-carbon glucose molecule is cleaved into two three-carbon molecules. These molecules then undergo further reactions, generating ATP and reducing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH).

Under aerobic conditions, the pyruvate produced by glycolysis enters the mitochondria and is further oxidized through the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, yielding a significant amount of ATP. In the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions), pyruvate is converted into lactate or ethanol through fermentation, allowing glycolysis to continue by regenerating NAD+.

Glycolysis is crucial for providing energy, especially for cells that rely solely on glucose for ATP production, such as red blood cells. It also produces intermediate compounds that are used in the synthesis of other biomolecules. Dysregulation of glycolysis is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes.