Question

Explain the glycolysis in detail.

Answer 1

Glycolysis was first described by Embden, Meyerhof, and Parnas, and it is commonly referred to as the EMP pathway. This process occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell and is found in all living organisms.

Glycolysis is the first step of cellular respiration, where glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is broken down into pyruvic acid to release energy. It occurs in the cytoplasm of all living cells and does not require oxygen (anaerobic).

In glycolysis, a molecule of glucose (6-carbon) undergoes partial oxidation to form two molecules of pyruvic acid (3-carbon each). This process is energy-yielding, producing a net gain of 2 ATP molecules and 2 NADH molecules.

The pyruvic acid formed can:

• Enter the Krebs cycle (aerobic respiration) if oxygen is present, where further energy is extracted.
• Undergo fermentation (anaerobic respiration) if oxygen is absent, resulting in the formation of lactate or ethanol, depending on the organism.