glycolyse

Glycolysis is a fundamental metabolic pathway that occurs in almost all living organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. It is the first step in cellular respiration, through which glucose is converted into energy for the cell. Glycolysis is a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that break down glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, releasing energy in the form of ATP and NADH.

The glycolytic pathway takes place in the cytoplasm of cells and involves 10 distinct enzyme-catalyzed reactions. The process begins with the conversion of glucose into glucose-6-phosphate, which is then converted into fructose-6-phosphate. This compound is then converted into fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, which is then cleaved into three-carbon molecules, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. These molecules are then converted into pyruvate, releasing two molecules of ATP and two molecules of NADH.

Glycolysis is a critical pathway for energy production in the cell, as it provides the first step in the production of ATP during cellular respiration. It is also an important source of reducing power for the cell through the production of NADH. The glycolytic pathway is essential for the survival of many cells, including muscle cells, which require a constant supply of energy. Abnormalities in the glycolytic pathway have been linked to various diseases, including diabetes and cancer. The study of glycolysis has also led to the development of new strategies for the treatment of these diseases.