Glycolysis
The ten-step metabolic pathway that converts one molecule of glucose into two of pyruvate.
Formula / equation
C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₃H₄O₃ + 2ATP + 2NADH
Unit
kJ/mol
In depth
Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and needs no oxygen, which is why it is thought to be among the oldest metabolic pathways. It yields a net two ATP directly and feeds pyruvate into aerobic respiration or, when oxygen is short, into fermentation.
Examples in the real world
Muscle cells relying on glycolysis during sprinting, accumulating lactate as the anaerobic end product.