Glycolytic Pathway: Energy Conversion

Glycolytic Pathway

Overview

The glycolytic pathway, also known as glycolysis, is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose into energy in the form of ATP.

Glucose

• Glucose is a 6-carbon sugar molecule (C6H12O6) that serves as the primary source of energy for cells.
• It is a universal energy currency for cells, providing energy for various cellular processes.

Glucose Phosphorylation

• The first step of glycolysis involves the phosphorylation of glucose to form glucose-6-phosphate (G6P).
• This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme hexokinase and requires one ATP molecule.
• Glucose phosphorylation traps glucose within the cell and begins the process of energy extraction.

Glycolysis

• Glycolysis is a 10-step metabolic pathway that converts glucose-6-phosphate into pyruvate.
• The pathway involves a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, resulting in the production of:
  • 2 ATP molecules (net gain)
  • 2 NADH molecules
  • 2 pyruvate molecules

ATP Synthesis

• The energy generated from glycolysis is used to synthesize ATP through the process of substrate-level phosphorylation.
• During glycolysis, 2 ATP molecules are invested, and 4 ATP molecules are generated, resulting in a net gain of 2 ATP molecules.
• The ATP molecules produced in glycolysis are used to fuel various cellular processes.