oxidativeglycolysis

Oxidativeglycolysis is a nonstandard term used to describe a hypothetical or conceptual integration of glycolytic oxidation with mitochondrial or other cellular electron transport, in which the reducing equivalents generated during glycolysis are rapidly reoxidized through the respiratory chain. The idea is to enhance ATP yield by coupling glycolytic dehydrogenase reactions directly to oxidative phosphorylation, thereby minimizing the need for fermentation under aerobic conditions.

In standard metabolism, glycolysis converts glucose to pyruvate with net ATP production and generates NADH, which must be reoxidized either by mitochondrial respiration or by fermentation pathways. Proponents of oxidativeglycolysis envision mechanisms in which glycolytic intermediates or associated dehydrogenases feed electrons more directly into the electron transport system, potentially through redox shuttles such as malate-aspartate or glycerol-3-phosphate pathways. Such schemes would require efficient cytosolic-to-mitochondrial transfer of redox equivalents and tight coupling to maintain redox balance and prevent bottlenecks.

The term is not widely adopted in standard biochemistry and is primarily encountered in theoretical discussions, speculative models, or discussions within metabolic engineering contexts. It contrasts with conventional glycolysis and established shuttle systems, and there is no consensus on a canonical pathway or experimental validation. Some discussions of oxidativeglycolysis reflect broader questions about metabolic efficiency, redox balance, and the flexibility of energy production in organisms or engineered systems.

See also: glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, Warburg effect, metabolic engineering, redox shuttles.