Glycolysis Overview and Steps

These flashcards cover the key concepts, processes, and outcomes of glycolysis, summarizing important facts that will aid in exam preparation.

What is glycolysis?

Glycolysis is the first step in the breakdown of glucose to extract energy for cellular metabolism.

Where does glycolysis occur in cells?

Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

What is the starting molecule for glycolysis?

The starting molecule for glycolysis is glucose.

What two products are formed at the end of glycolysis?

The end products of glycolysis are two molecules of pyruvate.

How many ATP molecules are invested during glycolysis?

Two ATP molecules are invested during glycolysis.

What is produced in the energy recovery phase of glycolysis?

The energy recovery phase produces four ATP molecules and two NADH molecules.

What are GLUT proteins?

GLUT proteins are integral proteins that assist in the facilitated diffusion of glucose.

What is the role of hexokinase in glycolysis?

Hexokinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to produce glucose-6-phosphate.

What type of inhibition occurs when there is sufficient ATP?

End product inhibition occurs when there is sufficient ATP, slowing down the glycolysis pathway.

What happens to NADH if oxygen is present?

If oxygen is present, NADH is oxidized back into NAD+, allowing glycolysis to continue.

What is the net gain of ATP molecules from glycolysis?

The net gain of ATP molecules from glycolysis is two ATP molecules.

Which enzyme is highlighted as rate-limiting in glycolysis?

Pyruvate kinase is a rate-limiting enzyme for glycolysis.

What occurs if there is no pyruvate kinase available during glycolysis?

If pyruvate kinase is unavailable, only two ATP molecules will be made in the second half of glycolysis.

What is the function of phosphofructokinase in glycolysis?

Phosphofructokinase phosphorylates fructose-6-phosphate, being a key regulatory point in the glycolysis pathway.

What is the significance of red blood cells in relation to glycolysis?

Mature mammalian red blood cells rely solely on glycolysis for ATP, as they do not have mitochondria.